Mr. Nathan Jack Lewis Branstutter, 45, of Barbourville, passed away Monday, February 2, 2026 in Richmond. He was born August 5, 1980 in Hinesville, GA, the son of Lewis Branstutter Jr. and Patricia Gray Dean.
Nathan attended Knox Central High School and joined the army soon after graduating. He entered basic training to be a cavalry scout and was stationed in Germany. While there, he was deployed to Kosovo for a peacekeeping mission, Operation Joint Guardian. After completing his tour, he worked hard as a truck driver, as well as a coal miner, before being forced to build the courage for war. Discovering news that he had gotten a recall to the reserves, he entered August 7, 2005. This is where he served in Rumadi, Iraq, for Operation Iraqi Freedom, a result of 9/11. During this period, some of his decorations awarded include the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, as well as but not limited to the Combat Action Badge.
When he returned, he decided to pursue an education at Southeast Community and Technical College. During school, he worked long hours to prevent forest fires from spreading. Upon receiving his Associates Degree in Applied Sciences, he became a respiratory therapist.
Nathan began work at Manchester Hospital for a time before moving to Rockcastle Hospital. During his time there, Nathan participated, led and delivered presents to young patients who were struggling with gifts every year. This eventually became a yearly donation from the hospital. After leaving his mark on Rockcastle, he then transferred to the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Lexington. When COVID-19 occurred, he became a frontline worker for fellow veterans going through COVID and many other illnesses.
Nathan was a hero to his two children and made sure they were loved every day. His family remembers his heart as one full of sonder, a mind filled with brilliance and a soul that the world feels less of without. His favorite things about life were going on trips as he loved the beauty the world has to offer. He also loved riding his motorcycle, making music on his guitar, bowling nights and more than anything else, he loved being a Dad. Those who were close to Nathan know they will forever mourn someone too unique to find again.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lewis Branstutter Sr., Veronica Blanchette, Jack and Hazel Gray.
Survivors include his wife, Ashley Branstutter; father, Lewis Branstutter Jr.; children, Maximus Branstutter and Courtney Branstutter; sisters, Inez Vandusen and husband, Christopher, Sarah Davis, Nellie Eldrige and husband, Steven, and Lillian Dean; brothers, William Branstutter and wife, Brittany, Aaron Branstutter, Tyrel Branstutter, Richard Branstutter and wife, Presley, Jaime Davis and wife, Ruby, Tony Williamson and Hailey and Jimmy Williamson; among other loved ones and dear friends who will cherish his memory.
His funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Tuesday, February 10 at 7 P.M. He will be laid to rest in the Camp Nelson National Cemetery in Nicholasville Thursday, February 12 at 12:30 P.M. with military funeral honors.
Casket bearers will be William Branstutter, Aaron Branstutter, Ricky Hembree, Tony Williamson, Joshua Corey and Jason Messer.
Friends may visit at the funeral home Tuesday after 5 P.M. until the funeral hour.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
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