Brannen, John A., 80, February 25, 2015. Arrangements by Dunn Funeral Home, Houlton.
OAKFIELD – John A. Brannen, 80, passed away Feb. 25, 2015, at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born Nov. 2, 1934, in Oakfield, the son of Alfred and Evelyn (Anderson) Brannen.
John was a graduate of Oakfield High School. He was employed by the Bangor & Aroostook Railroad for 42 years starting out as a brakeman and working his way up to conductor. In his spare time, John enjoyed hunting on Emerson Ridge and fishing at Mud Lake. He also enjoyed picking fiddleheads, working in his garden and John Deere Tractors. He enjoyed his ritual of 4 o’clock afternoon rides to check on family, visit friends, catch up on the latest news and enjoy the sunset. John served on the building committee for SACS and served on the board of the Oakfield Railroad Museum. He looked forward to spring so that he could be “quality control officer” at Spring Break Maple and Honey. He would often appear at Johnny’s job sites for unannounced visual inspections. Everyone that knew John respected him and enjoyed his humor and sarcasm.
John is survived by his soul mate of 60 years, Avis (Collier) Brannen of Oakfield; two sons, Kevin Brannen and his wife, Kristi, of Smyrna, Johnny Brannen and his significant other, Lisa Willigar, of Mattawamkeag Lake; five grandchildren, Korinne Brannen of Smyrna, Karla Brannen of Portland, Kendall Brannen of Salt Lake City, UT, Brittainy Thibodeau and her husband, Seth, of Wells, Whitney Brannen of Houlton; two sisters, Patricia Pearson of Waterville, Priscilla “Sida” Swallow of Houlton; one brother, Victor Brannen of CT; special cousin, Brenda Thompson of Merrill; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, and his son Jeffery in 1978.
Friends called at the Dunn Funeral Home Saturday from 1 p.m. until the time of the service at 3 p.m. with Rev. Sterling Lawrence officiating. Gifts may be made in John’s memory payable to the Oakfield Railroad Museum c/o Dunn Funeral Home, 11 Park Street, Houlton, ME 04730. Online condolences and guest book: dunnfuneral.com.
