Elvin Francis Branstetter, 74, of Wesley, AR, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, May 23, 2024. Born on March 3, 1950, in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, to Eugene and Opal Duncan Branstetter, Elvin led a life defined by service, dedication, and a deep love for his family and the outdoors.

Elvin always looked up to his dad, Gene, and joined the Marine Corps. His dad had served in the Navy during WWII. He loved being a Marine but was honorably discharged right before being shipped out to Vietnam due to a medical condition. He then drove a reefer truck for many years, ensuring the safe delivery of produce across the country. He loved this career and often talked about his adventures on icy mountains and swinging bridges. He loved Arkansas and Tacoma, WA but hated big cities. He was an excellent mechanic and an all-around handyman who could fix anything.

In 1972, he met Brenda Kay Kilpatrick. Shortly thereafter, they were married and had a baby girl, Rebecca Francis Branstetter. Eight years later, Jessica Kay Branstetter was born. Elvin loved to hunt for arrowheads and morel mushrooms. He enjoyed caving and exploring for gold or treasures in caves. He loved to fish and was the best catfish fryer around. He was a skilled rock worker and built beautiful things from rock. He was a great craftsman, making beautiful knives from deer antlers and creating porch swings and picnic tables from horseshoes. He maintained a wonderful vegetable garden and flowers in his yard, teaching his daughter, Jessica, to do the same. Brenda died on October 6, 2011.

Elvin is preceded in death by his loving wife of 38 years, Brenda Kay Kilpatrick Branstetter, and his parents, Eugene and Opal Branstetter.

He is survived by his two daughters, Rebecca Prouty (husband, Dallas) and Jessica Bowen (husband, Daniel), both residing in Wesley, Arkansas; his grandchildren, Dallas Prouty Jr. (wife, Karina) of Hindsville, Arkansas, Colton Prouty of Wesley, Arkansas, and Kaytlen Hankins (husband, Ty) of Wesley, Arkansas; and his great-grandchildren, Brantlee Altstatt, Eastman Prouty, Copelyn Prouty, of Hindsville, Arkansas, and Lane Elvin Hankins of Wesley, Arkansas.

A memorial service celebrating Elvin's life will be at 3:00 p.m. on June 1, 2024, at Richland Baptist Church, 21776 Mt. Olive Rd, Elkins, AR 72727.

Cremation arrangements are under the care of Benton County Memorial Park & Funeral Home (479) 636-2412.