Obituary

Charles H. "Charlie" Branch, 84, formerly of Sedgwick, died Tuesday, February 23, 19093 at Friendly Acres Retirement Community, Newton.

He was born January 12, 1909 at Severy, the son of Charles G. and Francis Holladay Branch. He had lived in Newton since 1981, working in eal estate until his retirement. Prior to moving to Newton, he owned a printing business in Junction City for 17 years. In the 1940's, he published a weekly newspaper in Sedgwick and McPherson. He had attended schools in Valley Center and Wichita.

He married Ruth A. Reffner on June 24, 1928.

He was active in music and had directed and played trumpet in bands in Wichita, Sedgwick, McPherson and Abilene. His bands won many awards in Kansas state competeitions.

Survivors: wife of the home, son, Charles V. Branch, Denver; two daughters, Frankie Shetterly, Vancouver, Washington and Carole Gilman of Salina; eight grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.

Services were held Saturday in the Petersen's Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery.