Losing branches close to trunk of American persimmon tree

Question

broken branches have a flat edge, as if they have been cut, rather than cracking.

Answer 1

The type of breaks on your branches can indicate twig girdlers.

http://www.oces.okstate.edu/haskell/agriculture/what-is-cutting-the-limbs-on-my-trees/ The article does mention that this can happen to persimmon trees.
Here's another article about this pest: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/twig-girdler-control.htm

If this doesn't seem like the problem, you may want to take a sample to your local extension service. Here's our article about common problems experienced by persimmons. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/persimmon/persimmon-tree-diseases.htm