Neal Warren Branch 1/5/1921 - 7/20/2009

My father, Neal Branch, passed away a month ago, aged 88½.

I have posted more photos my mother has of his younger days (WWII aviator, radio personality) here.

A cut & paste of his obituary from the Knoxville News-Sentinel follows:

BRANCH, NEAL WARREN -born in Omaha, Nebraska January 5, 1921 to parents Karl and Olava Larsen Branch. Mr. Branch served in the U. S. Army Air Corps during WWII. Most of his professional career was spent in broadcasting, joining WBIR in 1948 and becoming a morning radio personality. He retired in 1981 as general manager of WBIR TV and Radio and vice-president of Multimedia Broadcasting. Being active in his community, he was a board member of the downtown Sertoma Club, the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, Multimedia Broadcasting, and board chairman of Channel 2, president of the Greater Knoxville Advertising Club, and recipient of the Bob McCabe Ad Man of the Year. He is survived by his wife Jean Branch; and sons Benson and Mark. At his request, no services are planned. Arrangements by Cremation Options, Inc. (865) 6WE-CARE (693-2273) www.cremationoptionsinc.com.