SPIKE'S FAVORITE SAYING "I'LL DO IT MY WAY" Orval L. "Spike" Branson, age 81, of Weidman passed away, Thursday, March 12, 2009 at Tendercare of Mt. Pleasant with his beloved family at his side. He was born in Weidman on April 18, 1927 to Harold and Martha "Lucille" Branson. Spike enlisted in the United States Army three weeks before completing his senior year of high school. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant towards the end of WWII and was a lifetime member of the Thompson - Blackmer VFW Post 4106 in Weidman. Spike married Pauline Wilcox in Midland on August 16, 1953 and they made their home and raised their family in Weidman. Spike was a member of the Nottawa/Sherman Fire Dept. for 45 years and was Chief 17 years during that period. He was charismatic and enjoyed owning and operating his excavation business in Weidman. Branson Trucking was not just a job for him but a way of life he loved. The customers he had, the people he helped along the way and his family, were things that kept a smile on his face. Spike is survived by his loving wife of 55 years Pauline of Weidman, Five Children who will treasure the memories they have of a fun loving and caring dad: Brenda (Steve) Gray of Evart, Patty (Joe) Riley of Weidman, Randy (Teresa) Branson of Winn, Lori (Dave) Gross of Weidman, Lisa (Justin) Longtin of Weidman, 14 Grandchildren: Jeremy Gray, Shaun (Tracy) Gray, Krista (Matt) Tiedt, Gwen (Matt) Alwood, Carrie (Ron) Johnson, Kelly (Jeremy) Shaner, Kyle Branson, Katie, Makenna, Natalie and Lanie Longtin, Derek, Rachel and Ann Gross, 12 Great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his daughter Sherri in 1996, a brother Bobbie and infant brother Virgil. The family will greet friends from 2-4p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2009 at the Daggett Funeral Home in Barryton. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 16th at the Daggett Funeral Home. Condolences may be left online at daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Memorial donations in Spike's name can be made to Tendercare of Mt. Pleasant. ** ALL WHO HAVE A SPECIAL STORY OR THOUGHT TO EXPRESS IN MEMORY OF SPIKE ARE ENCOURAGE TO DO SO BY CLICKING THE SIGN GUEST BOOK TAB. **