Gene Norris Branscum, 84 years of age, and a resident of South Amherst, passed away July 2, 2022, at Mercy New Life Hospice.
Gene was born August 8, 1937, in Frazer, Kentucky, and raised there until moving to the Lorain County area. Grafton was his home for 28 years prior to moving to South Amherst in 1996.
Gene worked in quality control for High Level MFG in Valley City, Ohio. He previously worked as a construction worker on U.S. 27, and as an auto mechanic in many different shops. Gene never forgot his roots and loved Kentucky, always considering it home. He kept a residence there and stayed in touch with family and friends and tried to never miss his high school class reunions from Wayne County High School. He was a faithful worshiper at both Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church, and Grace Baptist Church in South Amherst. He had a heart to serve and would come to the aid of any in need. Outgoing by nature, he made friends of all he met. Well into his eighties Gene kept a youthful spirit about himself.
Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Mary Branscum (nee: Jones); his sons, William W. (Carol Keith) Jones of Birmingham and Larry L. (Joanne) Jones of Wellington; his daughter, Susie Bracht of Grafton; his four grandchildren, Kelly Jones, Nick Jones, Jim Bracht, and Michael Bracht; and his two great-grandchildren, Ana Ellis and Caleb Jones; his sister, Lena Horton of South Amherst.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Alice M. Branscum (nee: Whitty); his brother, Gilbert Branscum; and his parents, James and Cloie Branscum (nee: Branscum).
Friends may call Friday, July 8, 2022, from 10 a.m. - 12 noon with the funeral service to follow at 12 noon at the Hempel Funeral Home. Rebroadcasting of services will be available at www.hempelfuneralhome.com . The Rev. Farrell Keith, pastor of Grace Baptist Church, will officiate. The family would request that those comfortable wearing masks would do so.
Please visit the funeral home's website to share a memory and sign the guest register, www.hempelfuneralhome.com.
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