Lewis Marshall Branch, age 89 of Salem, passed away on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at Odin Health and Rehab Center in Odin, Illinois.
Lewis was born on January 2, 1936, in Salem Township, the youngest child of Avery and Lettie (Young) Branch. He married Flora Jane Hopkins, daughter of Glen and Alma (Lee) Hopkins on June 10, 1967, in Salem, and together they shared 58 years united in marriage.
Survivors include his wife, Flora Jane of Salem, daughter, Jayma Proctor and husband John of St. Louis, MO; son, Kent Branch and Tracy Roberts of Salem; grandsons, Avery Branch and Nolan Branch of Salem and Kellen Proctor and Carson Proctor of St. Louis; and bonus grandchildren, Tyler Roberts of Centralia and Mackenzie Crane and husband Rylan of Cape Girardeau; brother, Raymond Branch of Iuka; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death are his parents; two brothers, Cecil and Lester; and his sister, Louise Rose.
Mr. Branch was a graduate of Salem Community High School, a veteran of the U.S. Army, and a member of Grace Church of the Nazarene in Salem.
He worked in various settings but especially enjoyed working alongside local businesses and with the public at Branch Shoe Gallery in Salem. He retired as manager of the Salem DMV facility.
Graveside services for Lewis Marshall Branch will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Zion Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Centralia with Jim Chapman officiating. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society and will be received at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem who is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences and memories can be left at www.CrouseFH.com.
