Carl Edward Goldbranson, age 74, of La Jara, Colorado, passed away on July 29, 2026, surrounded by family in the comfort of his own home.

Born on July 9, 1952, in Fort Benning, Georgia, Ed was the child of Carl and Francis Goldbranson. Being an Army brat, he lived in various locations, including Japan, West Point, and Arizona, but spent most of his childhood in Colorado Springs, where he would eventually join the National Guard. His family eventually settled in the San Luis Valley, where his career in law enforcement began at the Monte Vista Police Department. Ed retired from the Alamosa Sheriff's Department as an undersheriff. He married Stephanie Munson on December 5th 1987. They would go on to have two children, Cheyann and Ty. They were later sealed in the LDS Temple on October 5th, 2001. Ed was also a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was always eager to fulfill whatever he was called to do.

Ed found his greatest happiness in the simple moments spent with those he loved. He cherished time in the mountains with his family, where countless memories were made. He and his beloved wife, Stephanie, never passed up an opportunity to cast a line together, sharing their love of fishing whenever they could. Each year, he looked forward to his annual hunting trip with his son, Ty, a tradition they both treasured. He took great pride and joy in rodeoing alongside his daughter, Cheyann, and always enjoyed talking horses and sharing stories with his son-in-law, Tyler. Among his greatest joys was spending time with, and building birdhouses with his granddaughters, Oakly and Paisley, creating not only treasured keepsakes but lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come.

He is survived by his wife (Stephanie Goldbranson), his son (Ty Goldbranson), his daughter (Cheyann McClayland), his son-in-law (Tyler McClayland), his granddaughters (Oakly McClayland and Paisley McClayland), his sister (Linda Todd), his mother-in-law (Sheral Munson) and his many beloved extended family and friends.

A graveside service will be held on August 14 at 10:30 AM at the Manassa Cemetery. A family visitation will be held the evening before, August 13, at the Manassa LDS Church from 6 PM to 8 PM. Another family visitation will be held the morning of the 14th at the LDS Church from 9 AM to 10 AM.

He will forever be remembered as a true cowboy: honest, hardworking, and loyal.

“Keep your eye on the skyline and your powder dry.”

— Ed Goldbranson