DuWayne Arthur Branscombe

DuWayne Arthur Branscombe (DAB) age 89, passed away on August 10, 2026. DuWayne was born March 11, 1937 in Duluth, MN to his mother Ruby (MacMillan) and father Gerald and was the eldest sibling to brothers Don, Dave and Dick and sister Patty.

He is preceded in death by his mother, father and siblings. He graduated from Denfeld High School in 1955 and attended the University of Minnesota Duluth branch for 2 years in chemical engineering. He then pursued his degree in Electrical Engineering at Devry Institute in Chicago, IL. DuWayne married Lois Cummings on August 30, 1958 and moved to Albuquerque, NM in 1960. They have 3 daughters, Krista, Lisa and Adina who they raised in Albuquerque and together built a loving family. DuWayne took a position at Sandia National Laboratories in 1960 and was a member of the Technical Staff. He continued to excel in many areas of the electrical engineer realm. He was a Staff Member, a Division Supervisor and a Department Manager. He had an esteemed career at Sandia National Labs for 38 years and retired in 1995. After retirement DuWayne and Lois became part of the RV group Roadrunners and traveled to many wonderful locations. DuWayne had a knack for planning and coordinating events and the travels were extraordinary...creating countless cherished memories. Once he was Voted MVP on a trip to AZ by the group as being the best snack & drink provider. DuWayne enjoyed many fishing and hunting excursions with friends and family. Lois passed away from dementia in 2014. DuWayne married Joy Seaburn, a long-time family friend, on September 18, 2015 and they shared 11 loving, special and wonderful years together. Their motto was to Live, Love and Laugh.

DuWayne is survived by his wife, Joy Branscombe; his daughters, Krista Gusler (Scott), Lisa Platzbecker (Mark), and Adina Maes (Sam); and his grandchildren, Lauren, Alex, Brian (Angela), Amanda (Corwin), Stephanie (Dustin), Gabrielle (Ben), and Emily; and his great-grandchildren, Arlo, Cora, and Reece; and Joy's son, Mark (Janice) and her granddaughters, Jaclyn and Brittney. DuWayne was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He always had advice that he liked to "highly suggest."

DuWayne was a devout Christian and his relationship with his Lord & Savior Jesus Christ was valued above all things and he shared many times how God will provide in the good and the bad times of his life. DuWayne was an avid golfer and maintained an exceptional handicap for many years. He is fondly remembered as being almost a scratch golfer with true talent on the golf course. He played hockey and many other sports and loved to watch PGA golf and NFL football. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting. DuWayne truly enjoyed life, living it to the fullest with good values and trying to do the right thing. One of DuWayne's strongest gifts was the ability to create relationships in any and all walks of his life. He knew the power of a strong network and how it could benefit all involved. He was an amazing planner and organizer for all of life's interactions. DuWayne's hugs were legendary and anyone caught in his embrace knew he cared for them and the hug truly provided a welcome respite. DuWayne's legacy of love and faith will always be remembered and he will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society and the Alzheimer's Association.

A celebration of life will be held at Christ Lutheran Church in October. Day and Time to be determined. Please check this website closer to October for final details.