Michael Branson

Michael Hoban Branson was born to Francis and Frances (Hoban) Branson on January 24th, 1942 at St. Anne’s Hospital in Chicago Illinois. He passed away on August 29, 2025, at the age of 83, in Phoenix, Arizona. He had a brother, William Branson and a sister, Chrisine Branson.

Michael grew up in the Chicago area and later attended St Procopius College, (1963), and Arizona State University, graduating with a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering in 1969.

On August 21, 1965, he married Donna Marie Branson in Oak Park, Illinois. They had three children, Michael Scott, Rene Kathleen and Kerry Nicole. They were married for 57 years until Donna’s passing in February, 2023.

Mike was a college professor and taught at the University of Rhode Island, Michigan State University and Oklahoma State University.

Mike enjoyed reading, music and current events. He also enjoyed college sports especially Notre Dame and Oklahoma State Cowboys football and Creighton University Blue Jays basketball. And, he had notable cooking skills.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, brother, sister and son-in-law Todd Williams.

Mike is survived by his son Michael (Carrie) Branson of Wichita, KS, daughters Kate MacDonald and Kerry Williams of Chandler, AZ, grandchildren Alexis (Georg) Schirmer of Viola KS, Austin Branson of El Dorado KS, Adam Branson of Wichita KS, and Ryan and Luke Williams of Chandler, AZ. Also, two great-grandchildren Adelynn and Anderson Schirmer. He also leaves a large extended family of over 100, mostly in Arizona. He enjoyed following each of their journeys thru life.