John Marshall Brainard, Jr., 73, of rural Wabash, Indiana, died at 7:57 pm, Wednesday, September 1, 2021, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. He was born on September 6, 1947, in Wabash, to John Marshall, Sr. and Jean D. (Brown) Brainard.
John was a 1965 graduate of Wabash High School. He was preceded in death by his first wife Linda Brainard, who died August 9, 1967. He then married Patsy Coon in Wabash on June 9, 1973. John was a US Army veteran. He enjoyed working. John was a journeyman millwright and during his lifetime, had several jobs. He worked for Diehl Machines, Brown Trucking, Gaunt and Son Inc, General Tire, owned John Brainard Excavating, and retired from Chrysler, in Kokomo. He was a 50 year member of Hanna Masonic Lodge. John also enjoyed his 34 Ford hot rod, motorcycles, operating heavy equipment, traveling with his wife Patsy, and loved spending time with his family and grandkids. He was an animal lover, and especially loved his dog, Jackson.
He is survived by his wife, Patsy Brainard of Wabash; three sons, Jay R. (Kendra) Brainard, Kevin (Stephenie) Brainard, and Cory (Maia) Brainard, all of Wabash, twelve grandchildren, Zachary Brainard, Joshua (Kelsey) Brainard, Jared (Rachel) McDonald, Lindsey (William) Murphy, Dyson (Emily) Brainard, Emma Brainard, Gavin Brainard, Claire Brainard, Avry Napier, Emma Napier, Graci Napier, and Cohen Brainard; great-grandson, Emmett Brainard, brothers and sister, Michael (Ma’Fe) Brainard of Wabash, Anne (Verne) Eckley of Arkansas, Bill (Kathy) Brainard of Ohio, and Tom (Sue) Brainard of Wabash. He was also preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be 10:00 am, Wednesday, September 8, 2021, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, with David Phillips officiating. Burial will be in Falls Cemetery, Wabash. Friends may call 2-8 pm Tuesday, and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday, at the funeral home.
Donations may be made to the Animal Shelter of Wabash County.
The memorial guest book for John may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.
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