WINTER HAVEN - Neal Alan Branch died Thursday, August 6, at Winter Haven Hospital due to cardiac arrest.  He was 54.  

     Neal was born June 18, 1955 at Winter Haven Hospital to Lawrence Branch, Sr. and Nona Branch.  Neal was very civic minded individual participating in many activities.  He was a former member of St. Josephs Church where he was on the financial board and education committee before transferring to Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lake Wales where he was a Lectern and a Eucharistic Minister.  A devoutly dedicated Catholic, he attended 7:00 AM mass every day. 

     He was formerly associated with Polk Works, a former Lodge 1672 Elk and received his Eagle Scout pin at an early age, and attended Philmont Scout Camp.  He was a current board member of Theater Winter Haven and Ridge Art Association, and at the time of his death was associated with Sage Point Financial Services and a representative of Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance, and was a former Vice President of Ingram Financial Group, and was a graduate of Florida Southern College.

     Neal is survived by his son Jonathan Dane Branch (27), and Mother Nona Gerlach of Winter Haven, brother Gary (Linda) Branch of Arlington, TX, sisters Carole Frost of Winter Haven, Laura (Ben) Girtman of Tallahassee, Linda (Bob) Guzowski, and Godson Tommy Guzowski of Huntsville, AL.  Neal was predeceased by his son Stuart Alan Branch, brother Lawrence Steven Branch, fathers Lawrence Branch, Sr. and George Gerlach , Grandmothers Gladys Craig Cole and Gladys Branch, grandfathers Lawrence C. Branch, Sr. and Tip Cole.

     Visitation will be Sunday from 3 to 6 PM at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Winter Haven.  Funeral Mass will be Monday, 10:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church.  Interment will follow at Lakeside Memorial Park.  Flowers welcome, or donation to Theatre Winter Haven, or Ridge Art Association.  Condolences to the family can be sent to:  www.oakridgefuneralcare.com.