Lawrence A. "Bud" Branstetter

Lawrence A. "Bud" Branstetter, 82, a resident of 1302 S. Main, Fort Scott, died unexpectedly Thursday, July 26, 2007, at the Mercy Health Center Emergency Room following an apparent heart attack. He was born March 20, 1925, at Harding, Kan., the son of Harrison Branstetter and Delia Thiebaut Branstetter. Bud graduated from Fort Scott High School. He later joined the United States Navy and served in the South Pacific aboard the USS Cone. He married Margaret Ellen Shade on March 23, 1952, at Nevada, Mo. Mr. Branstetter worked for many years as an artist for Bruce Marble and Granite Works. In addition to his artwork, he enjoyed reading, woodworking, hunting and fishing. He was a past member of the Rifle Club and a current member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and St. John's United Methodist Church. Survivors include his wife, Margaret, of the home; a daughter, Jo Ellen Branstetter, Ozark, Mo.; two sisters, Hazel Hall, Fort Scott and Ruth Standley, Billings, Mont., and his beloved puppy, Molly. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Mary Tucker and an infant brother, Robert Paul. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 30, 2007, at the U. S. National Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars. Family and friends may meet at the Cheney Witt Chapel prior to leaving for the cemetery at 9:45 a.m. Memorials are suggested to the Fort Scott Animal Shelter and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Memorial Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701.