Elbert Ira Branch, 91, lifetime Albion resident, passed away at his home on December 15, 2014. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday December 19, 2014 at Kimball Funeral Home in Pullman. Vault interment will follow at the Albion Cemetery.

Elbert was born on July 3, 1923 in Albion to John & Effie (Bridges) Branch. He grew up in Albion and attended the local schools. He lettered in basketball, baseball and football at Albion High School and was a member of the last graduating class from the school in 1941. After graduation Elbert worked for Melvin Hill as a farmhand until he joined the United States Army in 1944. Elbert served as part of the Philippines liberation campaign during World War II and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in December 1946.

The records of exactly when Elbert met Virginia McChesney are unclear, as his and Virginia's stories and timelines differed over the years. However, there is documented proof that the couple married on October 10, 1947 in Stevenson, Washington. After a year of marriage, their daughter Linda was born and the couple made their home in Albion. As a way to make extra money for his young family, the mechanically inclined Elbert repaired and rebuilt small engines as well as some automotive repair for relatives and friends.

Elbert worked briefly for Inland Motor Freight as a truck driver before starting his career with Dissmore's IGA in 1949. When he started, the store was still located on South Grand Avenue and he was part of the team that moved the store to its present location on North Grand. He worked for the Dissmore family his entire career, retiring in 1988 after 39 years of service.

In retirement, Elbert enjoyed gardening, working in his yard and doing anything that involved physical work. He will be remembered by his family as someone who had a very strong work ethic and one who didn't sit idle very long. He was a longtime member of the Albion Fire Department and, by extension, the Fire Department's Legion Baseball team. In recent years, Elbert could be seen walking his dog Angel to the post office and all around Albion.

Elbert is survived by his daughter Linda (Don) Gallagher, granddaughter Ginger Gallagher and great-granddaughter Samantha Gallagher, all of Albion. He was preceded in death by his wife Virginia in June 2013 as well as his parents and one brother and two sisters.

Memorial contributions in Elbert's honor are suggested to the Whitman County Humane Society. Kimball Funeral Home of Pullman has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.