Melvin Wesley Branson

Melvin Wesley Branson, 78, died peacefully at his home in Buck Creek Township on January 5, 2021.

Melvin’s absolute passions were his family and his community. He and his beloved wife Connie, married for 57 years, most enjoyed time with each other, their family, and friends. They especially loved to travel to parks and destinations around the country. His greatest legacy to the community will be the leadership he provided with the Buck Creek Township Fire Department. He joined the fire department as a volunteer in 1966 and has served as Trustee for Buck Creek Township from January 1979 until his death. He drove tremendous advancements in public safety through investments in people, equipment, and facilities for the department and building a culture of service, caring, and family that is shared among the 55 professional full-time, part-time, and volunteer fire fighters that protect Buck Creek Township today. Melvin was also an active member of the Mount Comfort United Methodist Church. In the mid-1970’s he served on the Hancock County Planning Commission.

Melvin was born in Indianapolis on November 20, 1942. He was a graduate of Howe High School and Purdue University in Indianapolis. He worked as an engineer at Regency Electronics, Western Electric, and Schwitzer. For several years he owned and operated a Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream store, and later worked in sales at Sears and The Home Depot. He was a life-long Republican and a fan of NASCAR and the Indianapolis Colts.

Melvin is survived by his wife Connie Branson; children Monica (Douglas) Dunn, Michael (Teresa) Branson, and Micole Chatman; grandchildren Cody (Brooke-Lynn) Dunn, Tyler Chatman, Michael Wyatt Branson, Alexander Chatman, Austin Dunn, Nathaniel Branson, Maggie Chatman, Connor Dunn, and Samantha Branson; great-granddaughter Adaline Joelle Dunn; brother Louis Branson; and sister Theresa (Robert) Wilson. He is preceded in death by parents Melvin and Lena Branson and siblings Josephine Walker, Bertha Blackburn, Rosetta Short, and William Branson.

The public is invited to join the procession to the cemetery that is scheduled for 10:00 am on Monday, January 11. All participating should assemble in their vehicles at the Mount Comfort United Methodist Church, located at 3179 N 600 W, Greenfield, IN 46140. The procession will be escorted by the Buck Creek Township Fire Department and will pass Stations 71 and 72 in route to Park Cemetery in Greenfield, Indiana. Face masks and social distancing will be required for those participating in the graveside service at the cemetery which will be officiated by Pastor Dave Galbraith.

The family would like to thank the Buck Creek Township Fire Department, Suburban Hospice, and all of their friends, especially Noah Fisher, for their support and care.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Buck Creek Township Volunteer Fire Department, 5809 Airport Blvd., Greenfield, IN 46140 or online at www.bctfd.org/melvin.