Mr.Orval Franklin Brannan, 68, passed away April 8, 2008 after a year long battle with cancer. He was born November 30, 1939 in Hope, Arkansas to loving parents Ruby Hart Brannan and Alfred Delmar Brannan. He made many lifelong friends in these early years in Hope. After high school, he spent "five years in the freshman class" of several universities. The United States Air Force claimed his next four years. He attributed much of his subsequent business success to the electrical training he received in the Air Force. Orval joined Western Geophysical Company operations in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1966 as an instrument trainee. His thirty-two year tenure with Western included assignments in North America, Europe, Africa and Southeast Asia. He often said that he worked in more than 125 countries. Orval superivised and managed Western's digital systems, Houston field services, and Alaska marine operations. he was named President of Western Geophysical Company in 1991 after serving as Senior Vice President of Western Hemisphere operations and Executive Vice President. In 1996, he moved to London to serve as Western Atlas International Executive Vice President of business development in addition to his responsibilities for the PetroAlliance joint venture with the former Soviet Union. He retired to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas in 1998 after Western was acquired by Baker Hughes. In retirement, Orval enjoyed building his home, Brandy's Point, on the lake and entertaining his family and friends there. Family, friends, fishing, golf, bird hunting, gardening and travel filled his time, but he was most happy when he returned to Brandy's Point. He named his home after his first beloved, legendary Brittany, Brandy, who was followed by Kate, Tess, and Meg. Orval was a man for all seasons, figuratively and literaly. He was at much at ease fishing on Lake Ouachita, discussing how his pond or terrace of flower beds should be built, golfing in Scotland, or pheasant shooting in England as he was in the boardroom. Every winter he waited for spring so he could plant his tomatoes and flowers; summer was golf, fishing, travel; autumn brought quail hunting and Arkansas' lovely colors; and then came Christmas when his generous spirit was as evident as his love of the Season. Orval was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Lynne Hanson Brannan. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas; son: Scott and wife, Rachel, grandsons Jackson and Spencer; son Jeff and wife, Christine, grandsons Ethan and Trevor, all of Missouri City, TX; brother, Johnny Brannan and wife, Linda of Prescott, AR; brother, A.D. Brannan and wife, Barbara of Shreveport, LA and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Our family wishes to extend special thanks to Dr. Renato Lenzi and his Assistant, Ms. Fusun Kiran at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX for all their efforts. Words cannot express our thanks to cousins, Drs. Joe and Mark Martindale of Benton, AR for their love and care of Orval and our whole family. Troy Smith, R.N. of Saline Memorial Hospice made it possible for Orval to spend his last weeks at home. His niece, Janet McAdams, R.N.,provided extraordinary loving care in his last hours. These dedicated professionals made it possible for Orval to stay at home as he wished. Funeral services will be 10:00AM Saturday, April 12, 2008 at the Christ of the Hills United Methodist Church, 700 Balearic Road, Hot Springs Village, AR 71909. Graveside Service will be at 3:30 p.m. also, on Saturday, April 12, 2008, at Rose Hill Cemetery, Hope, AR. Arrangements are by Brazzel/Oakcrest Funeral Home of Hope. Charitable contributions may be made to Christ of the Hills United Methodist Church at the address given. Online guestbook: at www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com