Dates
Our lord and savior needed another warrior and he chose the best. Donald Wayne (Duck) Branch, 57, went home on December 25, 2023.
Donald was born in Odessa, Texas, on January 14, 1966, to A W Branch and Phyllis Thompson. The family moved to Midland, Texas, where Donald was raised with 3 amazing brothers, Randy Branch, Gary Branch, and Larry Branch. Donald went to Midland High School and graduated class of 1983. He met and married the love of his life Jeanie (Buchanan) Branch on September 26, 1992. With this marriage Donald gained two sons Chris Buchanan and Michael (Wallace) Branch whom he raised as his own. He later adopted Michael. From a previous marriage he had a son Derrick Smith. He was such an amazing role model for his boys. He was so proud of them and the men they have become. They were his pride and joy. In 1999, he became a grandpa when Skylar Buchanan was born, again in 2005 when Emmah Buchanan was born, and again in 2007 when Ashton Ledford joined the family. He was the best loving, Spoiling papa in the world. They knew if they wanted something just ask papa because he never said no.
Donald worked in the oilfield for many years as a floor hand. In 1992, he went to school at ACT (Action Career Training) and earned his CDL. After getting his CDL he stayed in the oilfield moving rigs, moving his way up to Truck Superintendent at Patterson UTI. Donald always said “Go Big or Go Home” so he decided it was time for him to go big and he purchased his own Big Truck. He was so proud of this new adventure. He leased on to Amigo Pipe hauling Pope out to the rigs. In 2017, Donald and Jeanie moved to San Angelo, Texas, where he leased his truck on to Hirschfeld Steel (W&W Afco) hauling bridge beams. He absolutely loved and cherished the people he worked with. He had such an amazing boss and found a best friend in one of his coworkers. This company was everything to him and it showed.
When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed building his Jet boat which he couldn’t wait to race in the 2024 season with the Southern Drag Boat Association, which he is a member. If it wasn’t the Jet Boat, it was his big truck. In his words that was his home away from home so it stayed polished and cleaned, and the more chrome he could put on it the better. That was his baby! More than anything he loved spending time with his family and smoking on the grill. He was the best at cooking on the grill and would cook for anyone who would come to eat. He loved giving loved ones a hard time and telling jokes. Donald had the most infectious smile, and any time you saw him you couldn’t help but fall in love with that smile. He was the most caring, trusting, compassionate, giving, and loving person. Everything he did he gave 100 percent. He touched so many lives and will be missed by many.
Donald was survived by his wife Jeanie Branch of 31 wonderful years, his 3 sons, Chris Buchanan and wife Jessica of Midland, Texas, Michael Branch of Midland, Texas, and Derrick Smith of Tennessee Colony, Texas, 3 granddaughters, Skylar, Ashton, and Emmah, 1 brother, Randy Branch and wife Lisa of San Angelo, Texas, 3 nephews, Bryan Branch of San Angelo, Texas, Charlie Branch and wife Heather of Wall, Texas, and Garrett Branch and wife Andrea of Midland, Texas, 2 nieces, Angela Pitre and husband Kevin of San Angelo, Texas, and Aftan Branch and wife Kara Bingham of Midland, an amazing Uncle and Aunt, Steve and Donna Burns from Fort Worth, Texas, and of course daddy’s girl his fur baby Karma. Not to mention several loving cousins, best friend, Brent Haris, and many, many, many amazing friends.
He was proceeded in death by his grandparents, 2 brothers, Larry Branch and Gary Branch, his parents, A W Branch and Phyllis Thompson, his in laws, Jesse and Geneva Buchanan, and another daddy’s girl fur baby Socks.
I am so very sorry, but the heartache is the worst pain a person should have to endure so at this time I can not do a final goodbye so there are no services planned at this time. Thank you to everyone for the love, support, and prayers. So very much appreciated.
“For some things, there are no words. Only hands to hold, shoulders to lean on, and hugs to comfort.”