SPARTA – Raymond Branson, 79, of Fenton, Missouri, formerly of Sparta, Illinois, passed away at 10:10 am, Friday, November 3, 2023, at his home.

Raymond was born on July 3, 1944, in Marion, Illinois, the son of William W. and Helen I. Davis Branson. He married Nancy Etherton on February 26, 1965 in Sparta, Illinois. Raymond was a Miner and retired from Simpson Sand and Gravel in Fenton, MO. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Fenton, MO and UMWA District #12. Raymond enjoyed flying remote control airplanes.

Raymond is survived by his wife, Nancy Branson of Fenton, MO; children, Ceonda (Deric) Rees of Bunker Hill, IL and Cindy Crawford of Fenton, MO; grandchildren, Alexis Crawford, Kylee Crawford and Haley (Joe)  Mathis; great grandson, Tyler Branson Rees; and brother, Bill Branson of Fenton, MO.

Raymond was preceded in death by his Parents and one grandson, Kellan Branson.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at Wilson's Funeral Home, Steeleville, with Rev. George Pearson officiating. Burial will follow at Paradise Cemetery, Steeleville. Visitation will be at Wilson's Funeral Home, Steeleville, where friends may call on Wednesday from 9 am until 11 am. Memorials may be given to Standing by the Door Ministry, Branson, MO, and can be mailed to Wilson's Funeral Home, PO Box 217, Steeleville, IL 62288.