In Loving Memory of Ralph E. Branham MSGT USAF Retired

In Loving Memory of
Ralph E. Branham
MSGT USAF Retired
Ralph E. Branham, 85, of Highland, Ill., passed away peacefully, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family at his home. Though his absence leaves an emptiness in many hearts, there is great comfort in knowing that he is reunited with his beloved wife, Bertella “Bert” Branham, whom he deeply cherished throughout their 60 years of marriage.  Their love was built on faith, laughter, and unwavering devotion—a bond that will continue to inspire all who knew them.
Born Sept. 29, 1939, in Newport, he was the son of  the late Benjamin and Dolly Walters Branham.  He grew up in the rolling hills of Kentucky and graduated from Frenchburg High School in 1958 before embarking on a life of service and adventure.  He dedicated 21 years to the United States Air Force, serving with honor and integrity from 1959 to 1980.  His career took him across the country and around the world, with duty stations including Lackland AFB, Texas, Bitburg AFB, Germany, Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, Thailand, Wurtsmith AFB, Michigan, Puerto Rico and Scott AFB, Ill.  He retired as a Master Sergeant, leaving a legacy of dedication, sacrifice, and love for his country.  Following his decorated military career, he dedicated another twenty plus years to the United States Army Civil Service.  After his military career, he built his life around his faith, family, and community.  He could be described as a very special man who was easy to love and never met a stranger.  He was a proud member of the First Baptist Church in Highland, Ill., he was guided by his faith and shared God’s love with others.  He also found camaraderie and purpose in VFW Post 5694 and American Legion Post 439, where he served as Chaplain and honored his fellow veterans as a bugler for the Military Honor Guard.  To know him was to know a man filled with warmth, kindness, humor, and a deep devotion to his loved ones.  His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his greatest joy, and he never missed an opportunity to cheer them on—whether at a soccer game, baseball field, dance recital, or gymnastics competition.  He found endless happiness traveling with his daughter, Sonja and her husband, Jim, especially on trips to the beach, and back home to Kentucky for class reunions.  He loved life’s simple pleasures.  He had a notorious sweet tooth, never turning down a good dessert, biscuits and gravy, or his famous sweet tea—made with “a little bit of tea with his sugar.” He took immense pride in his bright red Camaro convertible, often taking joyrides just for the thrill of it.  Kentucky always held a special place in his heart—not just for family and friends but also for his unwavering passion for University of Kentucky basketball, proudly declaring blue as his favorite color.  When it came to baseball, nothing rivaled his love for the St. Louis Cardinals.  His legacy is one of love, service, and unwavering devotion to his family, friends, and country.  He leaves a lifetime of cherished memories for all who knew and loved him.  Though no longer with us in body, his spirit lives on in the stories we share, the traditions we uphold, and the love he instilled in all of us.
Survivors include two sons and a daughter, Ralph Anthony “Tony” Branham of Kings Mountain, N.C., Mark Owen (Karla Kay) Branham of Wentzville, Mo. and Sonja M. (James) Woolford of Highland, Ill.; brother, Daniel Branham of Newport; sister-in-law, Brenda Faye Thompson of Mt. Sterling; grandchildren, Justin Branham of Ballwin, Mo., Corry (Danielle) Branham of Kings Mountain, N.C., Charles Grimes of Kings Mountain, N.C., Mark E. Branham (Jodi) of Troy, Mo., Krystal (David) Hagerman of Mulvane, Kans., Matt (Cailan Williams) Branham of Hannibal, Mo., Mike (Jaclyn) Branham of Moscow Mills, Mo., Kandyce (Aaron) Bergmann of Belleville, Ill., Kameryn Branham of Wentzville, Mo., Brandy (Logan) Purk of St. Louis, Mo., Courtney (Eric) Heyen of Troy, Ill. and Alli (Brian) Henderson of  Saint Jacob, Ill.; great-grandchildren, Peyton, Connor and Viviann Branham, Kelton and Kane Grimes, Parker and Ayla Branham, Eastyn and Cameron Hagerman, Addy Williams, Mack, Briella and Braylee Branham, Lucas and Owen Bergmann, Oliver, Rory and Sadie Heyen and Brently, Jaxen and  Ella Faye Henderson.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Bertella “Bert” Branham; daughter-in-law, Kelly S. Quayle Branham; siblings, Virgil Branham, James Branham and Sharon Ann Records, and granddaughter, Jessica Grimes.
Service will be conducted at 10 a.m., Thursday, March 6 at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, Ill. with Rev. Cody Knapik of First Baptist Church of Highland, Ill. officiating.  Visitation was 4-7 p.m., Wednesday, March 5, and will be 8-10 a.m., Thursday, March 6.  Burial will be in Lake View Memorial Gardens in Fairview Heights, Ill.
Memorial contributions may be made to: VFW Post 5694, American Legion Post 493, or Highland Food Pantry (all located in Highland, Illinois).
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, Ill.