John Gregory Branch

J. Gregory “Greg” Branch, age 79, passed away peacefully at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Evansville, IN, on October 27, 2026. He was born in Evansville in 1947 to the late John and Dorothy Branch.

Greg graduated from Rockport High School in Rockport, IN, in 1965. He attended Brescia College and graduated from Indiana State University, receiving both BS and MS Degrees. He taught English at Robinson High School for 34 years and was the sponsor of the school newspaper for 19 years. He was an active member of the IEA (Illinois Education Association). He received the Eastern Illinois University Master Teacher Award. Ever the English Bard, he enjoyed writing a weekly column for the Robinson Daily News for a number of years. He wrote an article titled "Echo of Giants" to honor his father on Veterans Day, which was published in several newspapers around the country. He was a prolific reader, often reading five books a week.

Mr. Branch was a loyal member of the Robinson Elks #1188 for 38 years and frequently participated in their many "worthwhile social activities." In 2010, he and his father, a WWII Veteran, participated in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., paid for by the Elks. He will be sorely missed by both family and friends and his many fellow members of the Elks. He was known for his wry sense of humor and wide array of "useful" tidbits and poignant anecdotes.

Greg married the love of his life, Linda, in 1969. One child, Michael G. Branch, was born to this union. He coached Mike's baseball teams and was proud of his son's achievements.

Mr. Branch is survived by his wife of 57 years, Linda; their son, Mike (Joni), and stepson, David, of Lyons, GA; his sister, Leanne Hudson (Steve), of Evansville, IN; his brother, David Branch, of Aurora, CO; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Bruce Branch, of Hudson, OH.

The family would like to thank all the Ascension nurses and patient care assistants (Especially Braelyn and Sara) who cared for Greg in his final days.

A time of visitation will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 1st, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. A celebration of Greg's life will immediately follow at 3:00 p.m., officiated by Celebrant Curt Goodwine. During the service, family and friends will be given the opportunity to share memories and speak to the fullness of Greg's life. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available at https://www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-streams. Following the service, an Irish wake will be held in his honor at the Elks Lodge (208 W Walnut St, Robinson, IL 62454). Both the south and west doors will be open for attendees.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Crawford County Humane Society (911 E. Wilkin St., Robinson, IL 62454).