of Bergman, AR
June 24, 1956 - October 24, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Steve Branon, who left us on October 24th, 2025, at the age of 69. Steve was a long-time resident of Bergman, Arkansas with his loving wife of 45 years. Steve was born on June 24th, 1956 in Farmington, Missouri. He grew up on a farm and enjoyed hunting and fishing.
He proudly served in the Army starting at the age of 18, but his luckiest year was 1979 when he met and married the love of his life, Terri Archer. He knew he had found his lifelong best friend and wasted no time, marrying six months after meeting.
His many occupations during those early years included positions at Sears, woodworking and building houses. His life was defined by service-whether responding to emergencies, lending a helping hand or fixing something for a neighbor. Steve gave freely of his time and talents and never asked for anything in return. What truly spoke of his character was his willingness to help anyone in need. Whether it was extinguishing fires, helping with medical emergencies, handyman tasks, calf wrangling or just being a friend, he would drop everything to help. He only drew the line with electrical work. He may have had a healthy fear of being electrocuted.
Steve was widely known for his passion for helping people and serving the community. He served 30 years with the Bergman Volunteer Fire Department, holding roles as Assistant Fire Chief, Fire Chief and First Responder. He also proudly served with Boone County Search and Rescue. But Steve was more than that…he was loyal, selfless and persistent.
When he wasn't serving his community, Steve could often be found outdoors-fishing any chance he got or hunting in the woods. He had a quick wit and a sharp sense of humor, always ready with a perfectly timed joke that left everyone laughing.
Steve was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Branon, and father, Billy Joe Branon.
Above all, Steve loved his family deeply. His greatest accomplishment was being called PePaw by his grandchildren, who brought endless light and laughter to his life.
Steve leaves his legacy with his devoted wife, Terri Branon; siblings, Timmy Branon (Sheri), Debbie Clark (Danny), Joanna Seymore (Scott) and Becky Lowell; sister-in-law, Sherry Keeter (Larry); brother-in-law, Alan Archer (Gail); his children, Rachel Combs (Blake), Melinda Smalley (Dana), Lindsey Branon and Stephen Branon (Kristine) and grandchildren, Madison Humphrey (Brock), Chris Birdsong (Kayla Warren), Tyler Birdsong (Sara Hastings), Simon McCullough, Olivia Branon, Gus Combs, Chase Branon, Archer Branon; along with four great-grandchildren and one on the way.
Steve will be dearly missed, but his heart and his impact on the community will never be forgotten.
The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Geoffrey Dunaway and staff for their kindness, dedication and many years of compassionate care.
The memorial service was held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Bergman Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 36, Bergman, Arkansas 72615.
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26 Condolence(s)
Jack and Donia Cook
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
We are so very sorry for your loss Terri and family. Steve was such a good man and did so much for others. He was there for Jack when he had a heart situation and we will never forget all he did. He will be missed by so many.you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Douglas miller
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
So sorry to hear of Steve’s passing .we grew up together as neighbors and spent many days together fishing and hunting.my deepest sympathy to his family
James Breece
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Terri, my heartfelt sympathy the family. Steve was a great guy, and will be missed by all of the community.
Jim
Bob Rowe
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Prayers for your family Steve will be missed in the whole Bergman and Boone County area.
Joanna Scott Seymore
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
I loved you then and I love you now. You will always be in my heart.
James surber
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
He was a good fire chief and it was a privilege to have served under him on the fire department He will be missed by everyone in the community .
Cecelia L ( Caputo) Jarboe
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
May God grant you strength today and hope for tomorrow. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tim Fischbeck
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
So sorry for your loss
Dennis and Gayla LaRue
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
So sorry for your loss. Steve was a fantastic person. He was always there for Dad and Liz.
Mary Harrell
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
It's been years since I seen Steven but I know he was a good guy his daughter Rachel was in and out of my house so she was a friend of my daughter she went to school with her and I got to know him and Terry very well I am so sorry to hear of this passing love and prayers to each of you 🙏❤️.
Don Miller
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
So sad to hear of Steve's passing. Deepest condolences to the family. Prayers for all.
Brandon Martin
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are with y'all I always enjoyed Steve and faught many fires with Steve and always enjoyed talking deer an fishing stories prayers for y'all much love
Mark Zimmerman
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Terri, my deepest condolences . I know he was loved dearly by you and family. 🙏❤️😪
Shiela Johnson
Monday, October 27, 2025
Terry I'm so sorry. My heart and prayers go for you and your family. Steve was an awesome guy I remember working on my car. Hugs to you all
John Pearson
Monday, October 27, 2025
Steve was definately someone you could count on in every situation from working fire calls assisting with medical calls and so much more. Steve done the job of "fire chief" better than most. He was quick to help our dept at Harmon and didnt even have to be called. I will miss him and I am proud to have known him and worked with him. My prayers go out to his family.
Keith Byington
Monday, October 27, 2025
I remember him in school as always quiet while also being so nice to everyone. Prayers go out to his family , Friends and community.
Machelle Patton
Monday, October 27, 2025
Dear Terri
I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers and condolences to you and your family.
Carol Copeland
Monday, October 27, 2025
Terri, and to All of your Family ,
Please know that Dennis and I are so very sorry to learn of Steve's passing. We always enjoyed being around you both. Steve was one of The Good Guys.
We are praying for you all. There simply isn't an answer here on Earth as to Why or Why now. The one thing that I do know without a doubt is that Steve's purpose here was done and God called him to his Eternal home. What a Heavenly celebration taking place.
You all will see him again one day and just imagine what that will be like. Until then, live to make him proud.
Sending our Love,
Dennis and Carol Copeland
Laura B England
Monday, October 27, 2025
Dear Terri, Madison, and family,
Our hearts are broken for you in the loss of Pepaw. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We enjoyed the time wr got to see you and visit with you!
Much love coming your way. Sorry we can’t be there due to another family emergency. You will be close to our hearts. Most sincerely, Ron and Laura Popi and Noni
Michael Caputo
Monday, October 27, 2025
I’m sorry for your loss. Your in my thoughts and prayers.
Michael Riley
Monday, October 27, 2025
So sorry, he was such a great person!🙏🙏
Karen Long-Conner
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Dear Terri and family.
I was so saddened when I heard of Steve’s passing…remember the good times, the laughter and the love you shared…please know, you and yours will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen
RitaTilley
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Terri & family my love & prayers are with you all during this difficult time. I love you Terri & if there's anything I can do please let me know.
Richard Long
Sunday, October 26, 2025
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Branon family.
Larry Smith
Saturday, October 25, 2025
My prayers are with the family. I know he will be long missed by all.
Ben Pridmore