Charles L. Branch, 78, of Willis, Kansas, passed away on Nov. 1, 2018, at Mission Village Living Center in Horton. A graveside service, with military honors, was held Nov. 6 at the Horton City Cemetery with Dan Maltby, officiating. Charles was born in Arkansas City, Kansas, to Kenneth Merle Branch and Fay Alsip Branch on April 11, 1940. He married Charlene Small on July 3, 1965, in Horton. He graduated high school in Arkansas City. He graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York, and Topeka Technical College. He retired as an instructor for Wichita Technical Institute in Topeka, a captain in the United States Air Force, and a master sergeant in the Kansas Air National Guard. He was a veteran of Vietnam and Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Charles was preceded in death by his mother Fay Alsip Koonce, father Kenneth Merle Branch, sister Donna Maltby, brother-in-law Victor Hays and nephews Greg Maltby and Phillip Hays. Charles is survived by his wife Charlene Small Branch, daughters Lorna Branch Ford (Eric), Jetmore; and Charla Branch Becker (Jim), Lancaster; sister Merlene Branch Hays, brother-in-law Daniel Maltby (Diane), and grandchildren Craig (Ashley), Andrew, Alex, and Emma Ford; Emily (Cole), Allison, Kyle and Kristin Becker; and many nieces and nephews. Memorials may be given to Salvation Army, NEK Hospice, Mission Village Living Center or Childrens Mercy Hospital in care of Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary, 909 Central Ave. Horton, Kansas, 66439. A message for the family and friends can be left at https://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/obituary/charles-branchfh_id=10690