NEW BOSTON, Texas - If it could be said that Niagara Falls occurred as a result of a plumbing leak, retired New Boston Mayor Johnny Lee Branson would be just the guy that could fix it.
Many New Bostoners would likely agree.
At least 100 or more of the town's residents and area well-wishers turned out Saturday to bid Branson the fondness of farewells, not only for his expertise in water issues and plumbing, but also for his near half-century of public service. First as a City Council member and later as mayor.
"I first became a Texarkana, Texas, City Council member in 2005," said Texas-side Mayor Bob Bruggeman. "Then I became mayor in 2012 and found water issues to be the most complicated issues I've ever had to deal with-. So I want to thank Johnny for assisting me with his wealth of knowledge in water - and especially for helping me understand it all."
Riverbend Water Resources District Executive Director Kyle Dooley felt the same way.
"Thank you Johnny for all the support you gave me in this job I have now," he said. "I had to call you up many times, but no matter what time it was, you answered every time."
TexAmericas Executive Director Scott Norton also thanked Branson for both his friendship and support.
"Mayor Branson has been both great friend and helpful to everyone he's ever met," Norton said
Texas State Rep. Gary Van Deaver, himself a New Boston resident, also thanked Branson for his support.
"When I worked for the New Boston Independent School District, we were struggling to see if we could have a police presence at our school district," Van Deaver said. Sure enough the New Boston Police Department placed a police officer right at our schools. You won't find anyone who loves New Boston more than Johnny Branson.
Born Aug. 9, 1934, in Hooks Texas, Branson graduated from Hooks High School, class of 1951. He moved to New Boston in 1957 and eventually started his own plumbing business that he operated for 59 years. It's now owned by his grandson. After serving as a council member for more than 20 years, Branson served as mayor starting in 1996 until his retirement in July.
"My thanks to all of you who made this possible for me," Branson said. "When I came here, we were almost out of water and it's incredible how important the Riverbend board has been to everyone of us and our ability produce more water."