Obituary of Ivan Clayton Branscome

U.S. Air Force Veteran Ivan “Clayton” Branscome’s love of life did not end with his death. On October 10th, 2022, at the age of 94, Clayton passed away peacefully, leaving behind a family who will continue to honor his legacy. He was born on January 18th, 1928, in Wythe County. In 1951, Clayton married his wife, Betty Ogle Branscome, and they were blessed to have spent over 70 years together. After Clayton served as a mechanic in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, he and Betty returned making their home on the family farm in Max Meadows. After being honorably discharged from the military, Clayton spent 20 years working at Polypenco, Inc. before he retired in 1998, but his love of working on automobiles and equipment continued. In his spare time, he was often working on the farm or with a piece of equipment. Throughout his life, he was a faithful member of the Austinville Baptist Church, serving as a deacon for many years. Aside from spending time with his family, one of his favorite things to do was laugh, and he was always ready to share a joke or story to brighten your day. Clayton was also a proud Officer of Election in Wythe County and looked forward to serving his community on election day each year. He was a devoted library patron and could often be found with a western novel or his Bible in his hand. Clayton was dedicated, patient, and a constant for his family. He will be greatly missed, but his loved ones take solace in his steadfast faith in God and their many beautiful memories together. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Lee Branscome and Ethel Lee Spencer Branscome; his sisters Annie Kathleen Branscome, Carrie Lee Kemp, and Emma Jean Boone; and his son-in-law Edwin Saufley. He is survived by his devoted wife, Betty O. Branscome. He was a loving father to his two daughters, Brenda Saufley and Teresa Aker, and her husband, David; His three grandchildren adored him; grandson Cory Aker and his wife, Megan; granddaughter Lindsey Saufley Litchfield and her husband David; and his granddaughter Lisa Aker. He was a proud Poppa to his two great-grandchildren, Kayla and Eddie Litchfield, and he had a new great grandson on the way. In addition, Clayton is also survived by his younger brother Wayne Branscome and his wife, Juanita, and his sister-in-law, Jane McGrady, Clayton is also survived by a special great niece, Taylor Boone, several nieces, nephews and many close friends. The family will receive visitors at Austinville Baptist Church on Thursday, October 13, 2022 from 5:00-7:00 pm. followed by a funeral service at 7 P.M. with Pastor Charles Damron officiating. There will be a graveside service on Friday, October 14, 2022 at the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin, Virginia, at 11 A.M.. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Austinville Baptist Church General Fund, P.O. Box 715, Austinville, VA 24312. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com The Branscome family is in the care of the Grubb Funeral Home in Wytheville.