Gene "Loco" Branch

Gene “Loco” Branch was born July 21, 1959 to Betty Jo Eis and Leonard Eugene Branch in Houston, Texas where he was the little brother to Lea Ann Branch Robertson and a year later, the big brother to Sharla Branch Martinez. The family grew when mom married Chuck Carter, who became “DAD” to Gene, and he gained 4 siblings whom he loved: Ken, Ritchie, Denise, and Becky. They got into all kinds of mischief throughout their childhood, and enjoyed many family vacations. He attended Eisenhower High School in the Houston area. Gene spent most of his career as an outstanding salesman, often winning salesman of the year, and ultimately regional vice president for Rotary Corporation. He then enjoyed work as a private investigator, which led into being a security resource officer and then supervisor at Valor Force, which he loved and was very passionate about. He was an outstanding leader wherever he served. Gene gave of his time and energy to many organizations and was instrumental in the beginning stages of Believer’s Fellowship Baptist Church (now Fellowship of Huntsville) and was known as “The Bar-B-Que Man” at Fair on the Square as he worked diligently to raise money for the church to move from the skating rink to a building of its own. He was very involved in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where he served on the Speakers, "Horspitality" (grilling for 100’s of volunteers), Tours, and Safety committees. He was also involved with the Thin Blue Line Motorcycle Club, Walker County Fair Association, and much, much more. As a dad, which was his greatest calling, his goal was two-fold. First, to lead his family to Jesus and second to provide for his family monetarily. He did both well. In 1999, Gene married Gail Wagner Branch, and their love story began. Their mutual love of Jesus, family, dancing, laughter, and fun helped pave a pathway to a wonderful life together. Gene never tired of the kids, the friends, the babies, and all of the people he believed God brought along their paths to help, both family and friends. Motorcycle rides, Astros games, Friday nights at the pool or just a Sunday afternoon talk were Gene’s specialty. Gene’s greatest accomplishment in life was being Dad to three boys – Jason, Jonathan, and Justin – and being the bonus dad to Elisa and Stephen. He was also a stand-in Dad to numerous nieces, nephews, and the many friends that his kids brought home! He was always the “fun” dad, often on his boys’ field trips helping out. He also was a straight talker and mentor of many young people. He also loved spending time with is brothers-in-law Randy and Ray as well as the spouses of his children: Caitlin, Jenny, and Warren. As he grew older and became “Poppi” to many grandchildren: Natalie, Tripp, Lilly, Faith, Reagan, Kaylie Jo, and Walker, as well as his bonus grandchildren Evelyn, Naomi, Lucy, and Johanna Lee Gene, his namesake. He was their biggest fan. He loved each of his girls with everything he had. He taught his grandsons how to be men, how to treat women, and how to get in trouble. He taught them all to laugh and to love. Donuts with Poppi, Saturday breakfasts, phone calls, riding horses, shopping for the grandkids, golf tournaments, dance recitals, track meets, working on the ranch, and all of the other activities that concerned his “babies” were the things that he loved the most. Whatever those babies were doing, Gene was right there to pave the way for loving, learning, and growing to happen. He was the ultimate family man. Gene made a larger-than-life impact and will be deeply missed by all who loved him. A visitation will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025, at Fellowship of Huntsville at 2:00 PM and a memorial service will begin at 3:00 PM. Memorial condolences to the family may be made at www.shmfh.com. Memoriam Options for Gene Loco Branch Donations to any of the following are preferred – • Donate to Samaritan’s Purse • Hero Foundation Donation Form • Thin Blue Line LEMC Plants (preferred over flowers – Gene loved green plants!) can be sent to: Fellowship of Huntsville Church 3895 State Hwy 30 West Huntsville, TX 77340 Ph: (936)291-2570

Gene "Loco" Branch

July 21, 1959 - August 2, 2025