Earnest Dwight Branstetter of Batesville, Arkansas, departed this life October 26, 2024, at the age of 85 years, 1 month, and 25 days.
He was born September 1, 1939, near Hartville, Missouri; the third child of Vergil and Eula (Mitchell) Branstetter.
Dwight was united in marriage to the love of his life, Rachel Shaw, on July 25, 1957, and to this union three children were born, David, Shelley, and Lance.
Dwight is survived by his eldest son, David Branstetter (Marva) of Sulphur Rock, Arkansas, their two sons: Joseph, and Garth (Corey), their children, Carson Walt and Andi Cate; his daughter, Shelley Watts (Tommy) of Mountain Home, Arkansas, their three children: Candis Magana (Phillip) of West Plains, Missouri, their children, Makynlee and Braylon; Matthew Watts (Lisa) of Batesville, Arkansas, their children, Kayleigh and Ethan; Westley Watts (Lindsey) of West Plains, Missouri, their children, Logan, Ryder, Sophia, and Stella. He is also survived by his sister, Geneva Atwood (Glenn), and brother, Bob Branstetter (friend Phyllis), as well as many other relatives and friends.
Dwight was preceded in death by his beloved wife of sixty-three years, Rachel; his youngest son, Lance; his mother and father; and his brothers, Ralph, Don, and Gary.
Dwight was very “quick witted” and would always come back with a quick response that would bring laughter to everyone within hearing range. He was a humble man, and over the years many people have told his children of ways he had helped them and their families during difficult times, but Dwight never spoke a word of it to anybody else; he had a compassionate and generous heart. Those closest to him will forever remember with a smile his “long lunches” that he enjoyed. His children loved to gather around him for hours as he told countless fascinating stories from his early life and childhood adventures; each one amazing and unforgettable. Dwight was a hard worker from a very early age. He was the third child of six siblings, from a small town, and worked his way up to being co-owner of a chain of grocery stores in Arkansas and southern Missouri. He retired at the age of forty-nine after selling them and began a large cattle ranch operation which he called his “Hobby”. He always said that he never worked a day in his life because he always enjoyed what he did.
Dwight was a loyal Husband, an amazing and most precious Daddy, a much beloved Brother and Papaw, and a loyal, true friend to all those that were fortunate enough to know and spend time with him. Dwight was the very best of the best of men; they don’t make them like him anymore. We celebrate his life and will always treasure the special times and precious memories we had together. He will be forever loved, held daily in our hearts, always cherished, and will never be forgotten. We are so grateful to the good LORD for allowing us to share our lives with him. He made this world a much better place.
