Jack Brannon

Jack Brannon, 78, of rural Palestine, IL, died at 8:12 a.m. on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 in the comfort of his home. He was born March 20, 1937 in Palestine, the son of Rudolph Brannon & Alice Meek Brannon. Jack married Carolyn “Cricket” Brannon on May 21, 1966 and she survives. He is also survived by his sisters & brothers-in-law, Wanda & Pete Boffer (Zion, IL), Kay Catt (Temple, GA), and Mary & Gary Stevens (Robinson, IL); by his sister-in-law, Lana Brannon; by his nephews & nieces-in-law, Tom & Linda Boffer, Dan & Cherie Tuttle, and Ryder Brannon; and by his nieces & nephew-in-law, Tori Bell, Joan Boffer and Jamie & Chris Roark. He was preceded in death by his parents; by his mother-in-law, Emma Butts; by his brother, Ronald Brannon; and by his sister & brother-in-law, Audrey & LeRoy Zentz; by his brothers-in-law, Mike Krauter and Kenny Catt; and by his nephew, Peter Boffer. Jack served his country in the U.S. Army, and was stationed in England for a time. Back stateside, Jack was a truck driver for a time and also worked for Spaulding Deposits before retiring and moving back to Palestine. There, he was heavily involved with the Ainad Shrine, and was “Lucky”, a beloved member of the Crawford County Crazy Clowns. He was Past President of both Tebala and Ainad Shrines, and was also a past Shriner of the Year. He will long be remembered for his dedication to children, which he accomplished through the Shriners or by playing Santa Claus for local children. His community has lost a one-of-a-kind soul. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 9th at the Oak Grove Cemetery in rural Palestine, where Masonic Rites will be performed by the Robinson Masonic Lodge #250. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Shriner's Hospitals for Children, with envelopes available at the cemetery or at the funeral home.