Donald G. ‘Doc’ Brannon | News, Sports, Jobs

Donald G. “Doc” Brannon returned home to be with the Lord on December 22, 2021 surrounded by his family. Doc Brannon was predeceased by his parents Merrill G. and Edna E. Brannon and his sister Ann L. Ashley (Brannon). He is survived by his beloved wife Patsy L. (Rhodes) Brannon and children Debra L. Powell (Clifford) and R. Shawn Brannon (Diana), his grandchildren Donovan Powell, Micah Powell, Emily Crihfield (Brannon ), Abigail Brannon, Meghan Brannon, Jacob Brannon and Sarah Brannon, great-grandchildren Cadence and Kylee Crihfield and dear friend Steve Stutler. Doc was born at home on Rush Run Road in Gilmer County, West Virginia on February 18, 1936 and graduated from Troy High School. He then attended Glenville State College where he received his BA in Chemistry, MA in Chemistry from West Virginia University and PhD in Chemistry from West Virginia University.

He met the love of his life in the WVU chemistry lab and they married in June 1961. He began teaching at the West Virginia Institute of Technology where he taught college chemistry and inorganic chemistry and encouraged and inspired thousands of students for over 30 years. Doc was avid hunting, trout fishing and environmentalist, a long time member of Trout Unlimited. He instilled a deep love for the outdoors in his children, grandchildren and students. Many summers have been spent fishing for trout in Wyoming and surrounding states, and many falls have been spent hunting squirrels and deer. The spring turkey season was also a favorite for Doc who made several of his own calls. He loved working with wood and made a variety of items, including jewelry that his family still wears. Doc Brannon will be sadly missed by his loving wife, family and dear friends, but we have the consolation of being able to find him one day in Heaven.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at Pennington Smith Funeral Home, Gauley Bridge, WV, at 12:00 p.m. with a two-hour visit with family from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with Carl Radcliff officiating. Interment will follow at Sunrise Cemetery (Brannon Family Cemetery), Rush Run Rd, Doddridge Co.

Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com. Pennington Smith is honored to serve the Brannon family.