Kenneth Wayne Brannan (“Ken”), 77, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026, in Beaumont, Texas, after a long battle with prostate cancer.
With a quick wit, a gift for storytelling, and a larger-than-life sense of humor, Ken had a way of making people feel instantly welcome. Ken truly never met a stranger. He was kind, endlessly curious, whip-smart, fun-loving, and deeply devoted to his family and faith.
Born on January 25, 1949, in Fort Worth, Texas, Ken moved with his family to Beaumont at the age of six when his father Harold was transferred to Mobil Oil Company. He attended Bingman Elementary School and MacArthur Middle School, where he developed early passions for music and sports. He played trumpet in band, played baseball and football, and sang in the children’s choir at Calvary Baptist Church.
A proud graduate of South Park High School’s Class of 1967, Ken played football for the Greenies and excelled academically, especially in math and German. He later attended Lamar University, studying accounting.
Naturally gifted in working with his hands, Ken spent several years as an independent contractor in painting and construction. In his younger years, he also enjoyed building cars, drag racing, and performing on guitar and trumpet with various bands, including sitting in with The Boogie Kings.
In 1974, he met Norma through mutual friends at the beach—the beginning of a love story that would span over fifty years. They married in 1977 and built a life together in Nederland, welcoming their daughter Greta in 1979. Ken was a loving and supportive father who delighted in encouraging her musical and artistic pursuits, faithfully attending performances and proudly supporting the Nederland Bulldogs and Golden Pride Marching Band, and Lamar University Bands.
In 1981, Ken began his career at DuPont Beaumont Works as a chemical Operator in the Hypalon unit. He took great pride in his work, serving for many years on the Hazmat/Emergency Response Team, and finishing his career in the Hypalon lab. Retiring from DuPont in 2010 following the closure of Hypalon, he deeply valued the friendships formed and colleagues he worked with over his nearly 30 years there.
A man of many passions, Ken especially loved the outdoors and fishing with his family—both offshore in the Gulf and at Lake Toledo aboard his beloved boats. Possessing a remarkable green thumb, he found joy in growing beautiful flowers and vegetables. He also greatly enjoyed cooking and grilling, collecting guitars, solving daily crossword puzzles, and sharing life with a few special canine companions—from his teenage dog Pudgie to later dachshunds Lady and Mya. An avid sports fan, he could always be found cheering on his favorite teams: the Houston Astros, Houston Texans, Lamar Cardinals, and Nederland Bulldogs.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Leona Brannan.
He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Norma Brannan of Port Arthur; his daughter, Greta Rimpo and husband Jeremy of Houston; and his stepson, Rodney Hollier of Beaumont. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Anna Oliver and husband Nick of Groves, and Ross Hollier of Nederland; great-grandchildren, Brock and Mia Oliver; his brother, Raymond Brannan and wife Sandy of Port Neches; and his nephew, John Brannan and wife Neise of Houston.
The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses, and staff who have cared for Ken in his illness, especially Dr. John Badlissi and Dr. Srinivas Kodali, Baptist Hospital’s 3rd floor Trinity Tower nurses, and ICU staff - NP Phillip Parcon and nurse Kristi, and of South West Texas Home Health – nurses Karole Lantham, Susan Broussard Grant, and Maddie Hubbard.
Visitation will be held Friday, May 29, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Melancon Levingston Funeral Home, in Nederland. A funeral service will be held Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home, officiated by Rev. Carl Durden, with a graveside service to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Nederland.
Pallbearers are Bruce Campbell, Lynn Campbell, Greg Cryer, Rodney Hollier, Ross Hollier, and Nick Oliver. Honorary pallbearers are John Brannan, Keith Cryer, Brock Oliver, and Jeremy Rimpo.
Memorial donations may be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation.