Current Services

Cecil Edwin Branson
08-06-2026

Cecil Edwin Branson,72, of Eden SD, passed away on August 6, 2026, at the home of his son and daughter-in-law in Sioux Falls. Cecil was born on March 10, 1954, in Sioux Falls, SD to Burley and Betty Branson. Cecil was one of 7 kids. Cecil spent many days growing up in Sioux Falls, until his family moved to Elk Point. Boy, did he have stories from his growing up years. He held the same sense of humor and spunk until his last day.

Cecil got his start serving in the Navy, something he was proud of. Cecil spent most of his life working in maintenance, working for Cimpl, Alumax, Carlile Plastics, Rubbermaid and he retired from Horton Manufacturing in Britton, SD. In his retirement, Cecil was always tinkering and fixing something. Eileen was the love of his life. When she passed in January, Cecil’s life was never the same.

Cecil married Eileen in 1993 and the two were inseparable. Cecil would have done anything for her. His eyes lit up when Eileen entered the room. Although Eileen’s son was an adult when they met, Cecil was a huge source of support for Darick. When Darick met his wife, Janice, Cecil stepped into her world as well, filling in as the father she never had. Cecil was an amazing grandfather and great- grandfather to all of Darick’s children and when Janice entered their lives, Eileen and Cecil loved her children and grandchildren as well. Cecil’s motto was to love the people who love you. When Cecil loved you, he loved you fiercely.

Cecil always had a great sense of humor. Although he battled COPD and emphysema, he maintained his zest for life. He would tell you to eat for nourishment, not for taste. His healthy habits prolonged his life longer than we could have hoped for. Many people who helped Cecil in his battle to breathe have said that he was one of their favorite patients to shoot the breeze with.

Cecil is survived by Eileen’s son: Darick Thomspon; and daughter-in-law: Janice Thompson of Sioux Falls; a daughter from his first marriage and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A small Celebration of Life for Cecil and Eileen Branson will be held on August 29, from 1-3PM. There will be a time of prayer at 1:30PM. If you would like to attend, please call Darick or Janice Thompson for directions.