Fr. Bernard E. Branson

Fr. Bernard E. Branson, 85, of Smithville, MO, passed away on June 23, 2017. Visitation will be at St. Ann Parish, 10113 E. Lexington Ave, Independence, MO 64053, on Friday, June 30th from 5-7pm with Rosary at 6:30pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, July 1st at 10am. Graveside service will begin at 1pm at St. Munchin Cemetery in Cameron, MO. Fr. Bernard E. Branson was born on October 27, 1931 in Kahoka, MO, to Jesse "J.B." Branson and Hazel (Worrell) Branson. He was one of six children. Fr. Branson graduated from high school in Hamilton, MO. He began his journey to priesthood at St. Mary Parish in Independence, MO, in 1959. Throughout the years, Fr. Branson served many Catholic churches in the Kansas City-St. Joseph area. He served his last years at St. Ann Parish in Independence, MO, before he retired in July 2016. He was the first priest in the United States to ever say Mass in sign language. Fr. Branson is preceded in death by his parents, J.B. and Hazel Branson; brother, Dwight Branson, and brother-in-law, Alvin Engelhart. He is survived by his brothers, Virgil (Mary Lou) Branson, Robert (Pat) Branson, Nolan (Anita) Branson; sister, Nelda Branson Engelhart; and many beloved nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Ann Parish or Crossroads Hospice. Condolences may be expressed at www.muehlebachchapel.com.




There will be a luncheon immediately following Mass.
SERVICES Visitation
Friday, June 30, 2017 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
St. Ann Parish 10113 East Lexington Ave Independence, Missouri 64053
Rosary
Friday, June 30, 2017 6:30 PM - 7:00 PM
St. Ann Parish 10113 East Lexington Ave Independence, Missouri 64053
Mass of Christian Burial
Saturday, July 1, 2017 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
St. Ann Parish 10113 East Lexington Ave Independence, Missouri 64053

There will be a luncheon immediately following Mass. Graveside Service
Saturday, July 1, 2017 1:00 PM
St. Munchin Cemetery Cameron, Missouri 64429