John Paul Braniff, Sr.

John P. Braniff, Sr, T/Sgt USAF (Retired), born October 29, 1927 in Oklahoma City went to the Lord on Friday February 1, 2013. He was preceded in death by his father Paul R. Braniff (cofounder of Braniff Airways), mother Marie A. (Maney) Braniff and daughter Jeanne (Braniff) Hardey. He is survived by his wife of over 61 years Genevieve (Moran) Braniff, children; John Jr. (Tess), Phil (Silvia), Mike S., Rebecca Russo (Hon. Michael), Mark (JoAnn), Francis, Phyllis and son-in-law Dr. David Hardey. Grandchildren; Michael A Braniff, Christopher Braniff, Jeanne Sonnier, David Hardey Jr., Jennifer Braniff-Harmon, Matthew Braniff, Stephanie Spalding, John Paul Hardey, Cpt. Paul R Russo (USAF), Elizabeth Lyons, Nathan Braniff, Jeffrey Weber, Carl Russo, Patrick Hardey, Patricia Russo, Catherine Clement, Peter Russo, Charlie Braniff, Roger Braniff and Ashley Braniff and 7 great-grandchildren. John was a lifelong Catholic and a long time member of St. Francis of Assisi Church. He was a 4th Degree Knight and member of The Knights of Columbus Council #1038. He was also a founding charter member of Council #06293 in Gwinn, Michigan. His grand kids gave him the nickname "Grumpy", but they all knew how much he loved them. It was just a game he played with them and they always had a kiss for their Grumpy. He served our country in the Army and Air Force from WWII to the Viet Nam War, serving at bases in Germany, Austria, French Morocco, Canada, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Michigan and Oklahoma. Services at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, OKC: Rosary Feb 7th at 7p.m., Funeral Mass Feb 8th at 10:00a.m. Graveside service to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, OKC. Memorial: Fr. Schettler Fund at Rosary School.