Ralph Edward Branum

Ralph Edward Branum, 94, of Hazen, passed away Friday, May 10, 2019, at Baptist Health-Stuttgart. Bro. Branum was born Aug. 1, 1924, in Bunston, Mo., the son of Ben and Ruth Bellamy Branum. The Army veteran was a radio operator and assistant driver of an amphibious tank involved in 15 beach invasions in the Pacific during World War II. Following his military duty, he received a master's degree in Theology from Southwestern Baptist Seminary and served as a pastor for over 60 years in Washington, Florida, Alabama and Arkansas. He was preceded in death by three wives, Coleen Shannon, Mary Hawkins and Jeri Orlicek; and two brothers and a sister. Survivors are two daughters, Linda Greenberg and Julie Cheever of Texas; son, Jim Branum of Alabama; eight grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. A memorial will be part of the 11 a.m. Sunday, May 19, service at First Baptist Church in Hazen. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to First Baptist Church of Hazen designated for international missions. www.turpin-co.com.