Everett Branam
AUGUST 5, 1930 – APRIL 15, 2023
Everett Simon Branam, 92, of Terre Haute, passed on to Heaven on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at his home, surrounded by his family. He was the first born of six children of Everett Simon Branam, Sr. and Grace Elinor Inglert Branam.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife of 46 years, Winoa Belle Overpeck Branam; son, Everett Matthew Branam; brothers, Ted and Tom Branam; sisters, Shirley Lynn Branam and Mary Phyllis Koos; several aunts, uncles, and many other extended family members.
Everett is survived by his wife of 28 years, Beverly Ione Caress Brown Branam; daughters, Belinda Kim (Lon) McDonald of Terre Haute and Laura Lynn Branam of Grapevine, TX; sister, Ruthann Dougherty, sister-in-law, Juanita Branam, and aunt, Jeannine Hoke all of Terre Haute; two step-children, Karen (Scott) Todd of Fishers and Cary (Dawn) Brown of Round Rock, TX; eight grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren; two step-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Two days after his eighteenth birthday, Everett joined the United States Marine Corps, serving at Camp LeJeune, N.C. and on the U.S.S. Leyte in the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean along the eastern coast of South and Central America. He was called back to serve during the Korean War and earned the rank of Corporal.
He retired after 40 years of service as a conductor for the Pennsylvania/Conrail Railroad. He then volunteered his time to Habitat for Humanity with the Grumpy Old Men and served on the board.
Everett learned the value of hard work and ingenuity as a young child of eleven. Volunteered by his father to build a chicken coop for a neighbor, he managed to complete the job with only scrap lumber and a rock for a hammer. This led Everett to build several homes throughout his life, including his own.
He was elected as Nevins Township Trustee due to his canvassing every home in the township and was elected at-large to the Vigo County Council. Everett was appointed to be the Superintendent of the Glen Home for Children for 7 years; a position which greatly influenced all of his children. Kim became a teacher for 38 years, Laura became a social worker and counselor, and Matt finished his career as President of Rose Hulman Institute of Technology, influencing many young people.
Everett was a member of World Gospel Church for 57 years. He served on the deacons and elders board and also took a mission trip to Kenya, Africa to help build a house for Dr. David Stevens.
Everett’s family would like to thank VNA Hospice and all of the caregivers for their kindness and compassion during his final days.
Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Roselawn Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, at the funeral home with Rev. Alfy Austin officiating. Everett will be laid to rest with military honors in Roselawn Memorial Park’s Chapel of Memories.
