Branson, Sr., Paul

Paul Branson started working at the Osawatomie Graphic in 1962. The newspaper was produced with type from Linotype machines and reporters wrote copy on manual typewriters.

Paul studied Mechanical engineering at the University of Missouri at Rolla and newspapers were not in his plans. After transferring to the Columbia campus the Linotype class he took one semester paid off when he was offered a job by Webster Hawkins at The Graphic. Four years later he transferred to advertising sales and later was advertising manager. He was also head of production including a central printing plant printing numerous community newspapers and shoppers.

He was a member of Kansas Press Association Advertising Managers group and served as president in 1973. He received the Karl and Dorothy Gaston Outstanding Mentor award in 2012.

Paul married RoseMary and they raised two boys, Paul II and Gregory. The Bransons’ sons graduated from K-State and went into the newspaper business, with Paul Jr. at The St. Joseph News-Press and Gregory at The Kansas City Star.

Paul was involved in community service serving numerous times as President of the Osawatomie Lions club and President of the Osawatomie Chamber of Commerce. He served as chairman of the annual Jamboree celebration and parade that went with it.

After retiring Paul worked half time for the Miami Republic for a number of years and continues to work 5 hours per week.