Dale Edgar Branch, 87, of Bogalusa, LA, passed away on April 18, 2026 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. As his last unselfish act, he donated his body to LSU Health Sciences Center.
Dale was born on November 18, 1938 in Franklinton, LA to Dorothy Baker Branch and Dewitt Edgar Branch. He graduated from Louisiana State University and LSU School of Law and was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. In 2024, he was recognized as a 60-year member of the Louisiana Bar Association, having been admitted on April 20, 1964.
His legal career began as a partner in Seal, Lee, Branch, and Brown. He also served under five mayors as Bogalusa City Attorney, as attorney for Washington Parish Police Jury, as attorney for Bogalusa City School District, and as an Assistant District Attorney for the 22nd Judicial District.
Dale's community involvement included Vice Chairman of the Washington Bank and Trust Board of Directors, Chamber of Commerce President, and Washington Parish Bar Association President.
Dale is survived by his wife of 64 years, Patricia Ford Branch, son Ed Branch (Lana), daughter Amy Branch Ragusa (Eric), two grandsons Nick Ragusa (Ashela) and Thomas Ragusa (Jessica), and two great granddaughters, Cece Ragusa and Thea Ragusa. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Dewitt, and his brother, Albert Branch.
Visitation will be held on May 2, 2026 at 9:30 am at Centenary Methodist Church, 1015 Cleveland St., Franklinton, LA. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the stained glass fund at Centenary Methodist Church in Franklinton.
