Gerald “Gerry” Braner, 81, Virginia and formerly of Beardstown, died Monday, May 15, 2023 at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital.

He was born May 21, 1941 in Beardstown, the son of Dean and Glenna Peck Braner. He married Sue Ellen Anderson November 14, 1987 in Beardstown and she survives.

He is also survived by two sisters, Marilyn Cotton and Karen (Richard) Thompson, both of Virginia and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two step-sons, Barry and Brian Clarke.

Gerry graduated from Virginia High School then attended Western Illinois University in Macomb. He served in the United States Army from 1966-1968. Over the years he worked for Crawford Lumber Company in Virginia, Henry Nelson and Sons in Jacksonville. He also managed Chandlerville Lumber and Hardware and Petersburg and Athens Lumber Yard. He then went to work for C.I.P.S. in 1973 retiring from Ameren Illinois in 2002. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Beardstown, Past Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge #1007, and the Chandlerville American Legion Post #694. In the past years they enjoyed spending time with his friends at the RV park in Rio Hondo, TX where they were permanent RV’ enjoying the sun and fun all year. Then due to his health they decided to come back home to Illinois to be with his family. He enjoyed fishing and boating in the Gulf waters and rivers. He was loved by so many wonderful people. He will be sadly missed.

Funeral services will be held 3:00 p.m. Friday, May 19, 2023 at Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown with full military honors to follow. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of services Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Cass-Schuyler Hospice.

Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown is assisting the family. Condolences may be left online at www.sagerfh.com