Edward F. “Ed” Branch, 96, of Plainville, Kansas, passed away on October 12, 2026, at Rooks County Health Center in Plainville.

He was born on April 29, 1930, in Caney, Kansas, to John Douglas and Laura Del (King) Branch.

Ed proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in Plainville.

Ed spent his life working in construction, where his skill, craftsmanship, and ability to fix just about anything made him a true jack-of-all-trades. While working on a construction project in Stockton, Kansas, he met Shirley Grieve, and they married on December 13, 1957, in Weeping Water, Nebraska. They were blessed with four children: Wesley, Brenda, Michael, and Brian.

Throughout his career, Ed used his talents in many areas of construction, including finish carpentry for Schult Homes, where he specialized in interior wood trim for manufactured homes. He retired in 1992 after a lifetime of hard work and dedication to his trade.

Outside of work, Ed enjoyed hunting, fishing, and searching for hidden treasures at garage sales and auctions. An avid collector, he had an eye for just about anything that caught his interest. One of his most unique collections was an assortment of more than 1,000 advertising pocket screwdrivers, with no duplicates, which he proudly displayed in a holder he crafted himself. He also enjoyed collecting ammunition cartridges and was a member of a cartridge collectors' club. Ed had a special place in his heart for his dogs over the years, including his last faithful companion, Buddy. Whether working with his hands, adding to one of his collections, spending time outdoors, or enjoying the company of his dogs, Ed found happiness in life's simple pleasures.

Ed will be remembered for his hardworking nature, his resourcefulness, and his many interests that kept him busy throughout his 96 years.

Ed is survived by his children: Brenda (Doug) Jennings of Plainville, Michael (Kathy Delzeit) Branch of Plainville, and Brian Branch of Zurich, Kansas; five grandchildren, Jacob (Kalea Graf) Branch, Brittany (Marc Hansen) Branch, Tori (Wyatt) Stark, Isaac Branch and John Branch; and four great-grandchildren, Jaxson and Wrenley Hansen, Adalynn Roller and Lainey Branch.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Laura Branch; wife, Shirley; son, Wesley Branch; nine siblings, Fern, Marion, Della, Letha, George, Lemuel and Melvin Branch; and stepbrothers, Leslie Dunn and Claude Dunn.

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 10 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Plainville. Burial will follow at Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Rooks County. Visitation will be Sunday, 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to VFW Post 8871 or Plainville Senior Center, and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd Street, Plainville, KS 67663.