Paul Allen Branson was born Wednesday, January 8, 1941 in Wichita Falls, Texas to Birnie and Alta (Johnson) Branson and went to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 30, 2016 after a short battle with cancer at the age of 75.

Paul was a graduate of Bowie High School, Bowie, Texas in 1959. He married his sweetheart, Nancy McElhanon, on December 29, 1961 in Hurst, Texas. They were blessed with 54 years of marriage.

Paul earned his Bachelor's degree from Abilene Christian University in 1963 and his Master's degree from East Texas State in 1972.

Paul's career would allow him to serve as board member of the SWATA (Southwest Athletic Trainers Association) from 1975-77 and board president from 1977-78. He is a member of the SWATA Hall of Fame in 1991 and received the 50 year member award. He also received the NATA (National Athletic Trainers Association) 25 year award in 1989.

Mr. Branson served as the first athletic trainer for LD Bell High School in Hurst from 1963-1969. His athletic training took him to the following high schools: Midland Lee 1969-1970, LD Bell 1970-1975, Abilene Cooper 1975-1981, and Andrews 1981-1994. He was inducted in the Hall of Fame at Hurst Euless Bedford schools.

Mr. Branson served as deacon at Brown Trail Church of Christ from 1971-1975 and later served as a deacon and elder at Andrews Church of Christ from 1985-1994. Paul's current membership is at Howe Church of Christ, serving as a faithful elder from 1999-2016.

Paul had a passion for all sports and loved watching his grandkids play games. He also enjoyed traveling, working in the yard and building projects.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; brother Norman Birnie Branson, sisters Betty Jane and Glenadean Louise.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy of Sherman; son Leland Paul Branson and wife Cathy with their children Alex and wife Christa, Avery, and Adam; son Carlon Wade Branson and wife Tina with their children Bret, Bryce, and Brady; brother-in-law Mike Wright; and many nieces and nephews.

Services to celebrate Paul's life will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, May 4, at Howe Church of Christ, Howe, TX, with Toby Soechting and nephew Buddy Branson as officiants.

The committal service will be held at 3:00 PM at Moore Memorial Gardens in Arlington. Serving as pallbearers will be his grandchildren Alex, Avery, and Adam Branson and Bret, Bryce, and Brady Branson.

Honorary pallbearers will be elders Steve Bookout, David Savage, Jesse Stonebarger and Jim Utley.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 3, from 6-8 PM at Waldo Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Howe Church of Christ Ministries 1205 N. Collins Fwy Howe, TX 75459 or to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

The register book may be signed online at www.waldofuneralhome.com.