Note from Lois
This is my husband's father and my father-in-law

Centralia Newspaper:

Pfc. EDWARD DOC BRANCH was born near Odin, IL. July 6, 1924 and departed this life Dec. 20, 1944.  Age 20 yrs, 5 mos, and 14 days. Most of his childhood was spent in the rural districts near Sandoval and Centralia, where he attended school. Later the family moved to Rock Falls, IL. where he attended high school.

He answered the call of his country on 5 April 1943. He received his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Fourteen months later he was transferred to the European Theatre of Operation.

He spent 7 months in actual combat in France, Germany, and Belgium where he received wounds on December 20, 1944, dying the same day.

Edward was of a sunny  disposition and was loved by all who knew him. He leaves to mourn his loss, his wife, Juanita, and little son, James Edward, his mother and father, Mr. and Mrs. Ira Branch, of this city, 6 sisters and 3 brothers,  Agness Turner of University City,  MO.,  Eunice Eudaley of University City, MO., Mrs. Inez Leicht of Boulder, IL., Mrs. Dorothy Cook of Centralia, William Robert Branch, Fireman 1st. Class of the US Navy, Pfc. Charles Arnold Branch, serving overseas, Betty Carter, of this city, Jack and Mary Jane, living at home, also a host of other relatives and friends.