Ricky "Rick" Branson 1955-2015 Ricky "Rick" Branson, Labadie, Missouri, went with the angels Monday, Dec. 7, 2015. Rick was born in St. Louis, Missouri, December 21, 1955, to Junior Branson and Kathleen (nee Thornton) Branson of Pacific, MO. Upon graduation from Eureka High School in 1973, he enlisted in the Army and served his country in Germany and Korea. After completing his tour of duty, Rick returned home, served in the US Army Reserves and became a glasser with a window company before joining the Carpenter's Union. A skilled commercial/residential craftsman, Ricky was recognized for his disciplined work ethic and fine artisanship serving for 36 years. Among his many friends, family and colleagues, Rick earned the reputation of artistic wonder, creative woodworker, talented musician, and accomplished sportsman in both hunting and fishing. Dedicated to his church, Rick was a faithful Christian and member of the Faith Church in Sunset Hills, Missouri. He was also a proud card-carrying member of the NRA. He loved reading, traveling, helping people and he adored children. Rick had a big spirit and a good heart. He will be greatly missed by his wife Christine, parents Junior and Kathleen Branson, father and mother-in-law Ken and Carol Mullen of Jenks, OK; his children Randy Branson of Pacific, Dawn (Jason) Hensley of Pacific, Kara (Bobby) Pursifull of Dittmer, Amanda Branson and Sarah Branson of St. Louis; stepdaughter Ashley (Andrew) Exler of St. Louis, stepsons Kenneth Austin of Labadie, and Patrick Eberle of St. Louis; He was preceded in death by sister and brothers Kathy June, Donald, Dennis. grandchildren Jacquelyn, Brenden, Kristyna, Becca, Jade, Abigail and Ari David, brother Roger Dale (Edith) Branson of Bourbon, William (Cheryl) Branson of Pacific; Sisters in law Joann McFarland (Just Rick) Colorado Springs, Co, Anita Klein (Mark) Frisco, Texas as well as uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also his dog, Sawyer. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 14, 2015, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Jay B. Smith Funeral Home, 777 Oakwood Dr., Fenton, MO 63026. Funeral service Tuesday, 10:00 am at Jay B. Smith Funeral Home. Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. After a battle with re-occurring cancer the family funds have been somewhat depleted. In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Ricks gofundme.com account would be appreciated. Tributes at jaybsmith.com