Joe W. Branum 

Joe Wayne “Rusty” Branum passed away peacefully in his barn on September 11, 2022 in Decatur, Alabama. His nickname was earned from his grandfather, who upon seeing him for the first time declared that his hair was the color of an old, rusty bucket. Following graduation from Southeast High School in 1962, Rusty joined with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves at Camp Pendleton. He loved and was proud of having enlisted in the Corps his entire life, and this training shaped the honorable man that he was. Rusty would later on be granted honorable discharge so he could fulfill his lifelong dream of joining the Alabama State Police Department in 1969. In his personal life he was a stalwart in his community, and served the state greatly as an officer in this capacity. He was one of the first ASP Tactical Team members, and was an excellent marksman. He received numerous awards in marksman competitions. Rusty became a certified firearms instructor in 1979 and trained new police cadets for a time while he was on the force. He received many commendations from supervisors and citizens while he served 30 years on the ASPD. Rusty married Jacqueline “Jackie” Steen in 1966 in Decatur where they lived together for 56 years. His son and two daughters were the joy of his life. They learned strong character from him and looked to him as a role model. Rusty loved to hunt and fish most of his life. In his later years he was most content at the hunting cabin joined by his good friend Joe Poe, and the serenity of the outdoors. He was preceded in death by his parents Kingdon Hawks Branum and Florine Florence (Riddle) Branum of Oklahoma City, and his stepfather Raymond R. Barber who was like a dad to him. He is survived by his wife Jackie, son Garren W. Morse and sister Patricia Neher of Decatur, daughter Kelley Thiessen, son-in-law Denny Thiessen of Moore, AL and son Billy Ray Branum of Cushing, OK.  Joe also had 13 Grandchildren and 5 Great Grandchildren and many loved nieces and nephews. 

Joe is proceeded in death by his parents and Grandparents. No services are being held at this time. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

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