John D. Branch, 64 died at 9:30 pm, Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at Accolade Healthcare, Pontiac, with his daughter and son by his side.

Cremation rites have been accorded and the family will have a private graveside service at a later date in Brenton Cemetery, Piper City.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial contributions be directed to his home away from home, the Fairbury VFW. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury is in charge of services.

John was born August 5, 1955 in Paxton; the son of Dr. Charles and Edna (Kennedy) Branch. His parents preceded him in death.

Survivors include one daughter, Kendra (Matthew) Overbey of Springfield; one son, Joshua (Jennifer) Branch of Edgerton, WI; six grandchildren, Tanner, Logan, Collin & Kamden Branch; Mason & Emmersyn Overbey.

John grew up in Piper City and was an incredible athlete.  He attended Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington on a scholarship, playing college basketball with Jack Sikma in 1973.  An automobile accident in 1974 changed John's life, leaving him physically disabled and unable to return to the sport that came so natural to him.

John enjoyed music, dirt track racing but most of all he loved his family.  John's sense of humor and his one of a kind laughs will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.