Rocky Dewayne Branson, 67, passed away Oct. 25, 2025, at Capital Regional Medical Center from pneumonia.
He was born June 23, 1958, to the late Quilas Thomas Clinton (“Q.T.”) Branson and Ruby Mae Branson (née Robertson) of Belle.
He was united in marriage to Tammy Martin June 27, 1998. They brought together seven children, Dustin Branson and wife Heather of Jefferson City, Sarah Branson and husband Andy of Columbia, Samantha Hamilton and husband Jesse of Holts Summit,Tiffany Buske and husband Troy of Faribault, Minn., Erica Steen and husband Matthew of Belle, Thomas Manning and wife Tori of Mountain View and Jeremy Manning of Holts Summit. Rocky was also blessed with 18 grandchildren.
He found joy in life’s simple pleasures — hunting in the quiet woods, working hard at the family farm and tending the grill until his barbequed ribs were just right. Rocky loved to tease his children by sending photos of homemade fried chicken, never with an invitation attached.
Evenings were best spent watching the deer emerge at sunset or cheering on his beloved Cardinals and Chiefs. Gentle by nature, Rocky would hand-feed carrots to the wild bunnies that visited the yard, and took great pride in guiding new hunters in the family to the deer stand, sharing not just the sport but the patience and peppermint candies that came with it.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 30, at Sassman’s Chapel in Belle.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 31, at Pilot Knob Baptist Church.
Arrangements entrusted to Sassmann’s Chape in Belle.
