Claudus D. Branam

Claudus D. "Claud" Branam, age 85 of Purcell, passed away Friday, January 14, 2022, at Sunset Estates in Purcell. Known as Claud, he was born February 27, 1936 in Sikeston, MO, 1 of 9 children, and the only son of Claude Lewis Branam and Alta Mae (Reed) Branam. The son of a migrant farmer, Claud was raised primarily in the Sikeston area where he started school. He learned at a very young age, the value of hard work, leaving school early and doing whatever he could to support his family. A proud patriot, Claud joined the United States Marine Corp, and served his country proudly overseas, fondly recalling his time in the service. He returned to school on the GI Bill, and earned his Associates Degree from OSU Okmulgee, training as a diesel mechanic. He married young to Edith Coffee and they first made their home in Okla. City. By 1969, the Branam's settled in Purcell, where together they raised four children, son Steven and daughters, Bonita, Kathy and Connie. Claud first worked for Caterpillar before taking a job with Transcon Lines. He retired after more than 27 years of dedicated service. Claud later married Patsy (Vaughn) Holsonbake, and two families became one. Together they enjoyed running quarter horses and American Paints, and did so for many years. Claud was an accomplished pilot, and very proud of this. He dabbled some as a gun smith, was an excellent marksman, and enjoyed bird hunting. He was an avid reader, and it was said he rarely missed a chance to read even a gum wrapper. Claud's greatest legacy was his faith, and he lived his life serving the Lord. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and a true friend. He was preceded in death by: his late wife, Edith Branam, his parents, Claude and Alta Branam and sisters, Rose Chisolm, Dolly Tiffin, Geri Payne and Belle Cook. Claud is survived by: his wife Patsy of the home; Children, Steven Branam and wife Pam of Pauls Valley, OK, Bonita Looman of Moore, Kathy Lee and husband David of Norman and Connie Millsap and husband Buck of Wayne; His bonus children, Rick Holsonbake of Lexington, Larren Holsonbake and wife Kathy of Lexington, Panda Craven of Norman and Mitzi Combs and husband Jim of Lexington; Sisters Claudine Crawford and husband Ed of Kingfisher, Joyce Householder of Missippi and Alta Reed Blankenship of Eugene, OR; 17 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren and a host of other family and friends. Funeral Services are scheduled for 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at First Baptist Church in Lexington. Send online condolences @ www.wilsonlittle.com.

Claudus D. Branam

February 27, 1936 - January 14, 2022