Obituary of Luther George Branham Jr.

Luther George Branham Jr., age 81, of Bensalem died Friday, July 27, 2012. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, the former Elizabeth R. McComas. Born in Tulsa, OK, he was the son of the late Luther G. and Lila (Hicks) Branham Sr. He was a graduate from Oklahoma Military Academy (OMA) and Tulsa University. He served his country as a junior officer and Air Traffic Controller in the US Air Force. A member of a longtime Tulsa family involved in several businesses, he worked in family Pepsi bottling business, eventually owning his own plant in Seminole, OK. He married his childhood sweetheart, Elizabeth Rachel (Betty) McComas also from Tulsa and was father to four children: a son and three daughters, numerous grandkids, and nieces and nephews. He and his "Betts" time together encompassed over 60 years. He especially loved being around water, owning a lake house for many years at Elephant Butte Lake where he often pulled his kids water skiing. He moved his family to Las Cruces, NM, and began a lifelong career as a CPA and owned several businesses including two accounting practices, "Branham and Brooks" CPAs, and later in Truth or Consequences, NM, "Branham and Janos" CPAs. He was more than a financial advisor for his clients and often became lifelong friends. Those that know him the best described this special relationship as "if you have any problems just call Luther." He was actively involved in politics including several leadership roles in various campaigns and serving as Dona Ana County Republican Chairman for many years. He was a lifelong entrepreneur (before the term became popular) and started numerous companies including such diverse interests as a golf course, radio station, KSNM in NM and his most interesting business and only "business failure" --Rufus Tutti ice cream shop. He was a part time farmer and rancher in Southern NM where he owned a ranch with several large apple orchards. He served as the Director of Federal Housing Administration of NM in Albuquerque, a role he was most proud of because it "was the only Federal Agency that was self supporting." Later in life he spent his time "RVing" in his coach and doing what he loved most which was exploring. He loved experiencing new places, history, and was fascinated by trains. Although not religious, he lived his life following the golden rule and treated all with respect and compassion. He believed in living life to the fullest and will be missed by all those involved in his life. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters: Linda S. Branham Pohl and her husband Albert Pohl of Bensalem, PA, Louanne Branham Boothe and her husband Thomas of Albuquerque, NM, and Leslie Hodder of Bloomington, IN; a son: Luther G. Branham III of Denver, CO; grandchildren: Anthony Branham and spouse Kelle of Salt Lake City, UT, Kristen K. Branham and Elizabeth B. Branham, both of Durango, CO, Mandy L. Boothe and Brandy A. Geuss, both of Albuquerque, NM, Brian S. Davis of New York, NY, and Lisa Davis of Portland, OR; great grandchildren: Nicholas Branham, Scout Branham, Tyler Geuss, Alexis Geuss, Isabelle Ellen Coon and Hailey Ann Coon; two brothers-in-law: Dr. Robert E. McComas of Mesilla, NM, and James McComas of Orinda, CA; and a nephew: Mark McComas of Green River, WY. Visitation will be Thursday, Aug. 2, from 10 to 11 am at Teeters' Funeral Chapel, 505 Church St, Hawley, PA. A Memorial Prayer Service will follow at 11:00 AM at the funeral home with Deacon John Nash officiating. Private cremation was held at Lake Region Crematory, Lake Ariel.