Evan Willard Branch, 71, of Natural Bridge, Virginia, died Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at Lewis-Gale Medical Center.

Born March 13, 1939 in Rockbridge County, he was a son of the late Curtis Washington Branch and Clemmie Ann Johnson Branch.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Jerry Branch, Thomas Branch, and Elwood Branch.

Mr. Branch was a member of the Faith Baptist Church in Natural Bridge Station and was a member of the Short Hill Hunt Club since 1966.

Mr. Branch was a veteran of the U. S. Army.

Surviving are his wife, Kathy C. Branch of Natural Bridge; two sons, Michael Shanks and girlfriend, Tara Hensley; Scott Branch and wife, Ella, both of Buchanan; two brothers, twin brother, Ivan W. Branch and wife, Irene of Lexington; John E. Branch and wife, Marlene of Natural Bridge Station; two sisters, Mary Ann Johnson and husband, David of Natural Bridge Station; Christine B. Rowe of Staunton; Father and mother-in-law, Donald and Louise Chaplin of Glasgow; numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m., Saturday, August 14, 2010 at Faith Baptist Church in Natural Bridge Station with Rev. Terry Bostic officiating. Burial will follow in Tolley-Milliner Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Faith Baptist Church Building Fund P.O. Box 500 Natural Bridge Station, VA 24579.The family will receive friends 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, August 13, 2010 at Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, VA.