Paxton Branch

Paxton Branch - Submitted for the USGenWeb by Richard P. Sevier September 10, 2018

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Paxton Branch, Madison Parish, Louisiana

From KNOE TV, September 10, 2018

TALLULAH, La, (KNOE) - Hundreds filled up First Baptist Church in Tallulah to pay their final respects to the late mayor Paxton Branch.

"I wasn't surprised about the people, because I know my father was very known. From Baton Rouge to Washington, everyone knows about that little old man right there in Tallulah," said Paxton Branch II.

People from all over the state came to say goodbye, including Barbara O'bear. O'bear is a former president of the Louisiana Municipal Black caucus and served with Mayor Branch.

O'bear says branch was honored the way he should be.

"We say god be with you all and be strong," O'bear said. Much accolades given to someone that really really deserves it all."

Something Paxton Branch the second will always keep in mind.

"That wasn't just my dad. That was my best friend, my tag-team partner, and my road dog," Branch II said.

Branch II says his father's passing will not stop him from keeping their family's legacy alive. He says he plans to follow in his father's footsteps in more ways than one.

"He raised me and groomed me to follow him," said Branch II. That's all I can do. All can do is follow the steps in which he already laid."

Branch says just like his father, he just wants what's best for Tallulah.

"I think with a little hard work and the citizens pulling together. We can make this thing happen. We can move Tallulah to that brighter future."

Just like his father would've wanted.

Branch served as Tallulah's mayor since 2014 and was just re-elected in March. He was 51 years old.