Jerry Leon Braner, 64, of Plymouth passed away peacefully on Friday January 26, 2018 at Miller’s Merry Manor in Plymouth. He was born November 7, 1953 to the late Lawrence and Wanda (Bardsley) Braner, and he lived in the Tyner/Plymouth area all of his life.
       Jerry was born with Down’s syndrome, so learning and every day activities did not come easy to him. His mother patiently taught him to read, write, tell time, and many other things. He attended Marshall –Starke Development Center for many years where he had many friends. Jerry was well liked and never meet a stranger and always had a smile. He loved the Chicago Cubs, his newspaper, trains and music especially Lawrence Welk and Whitney Houston.
       Jerry is survived by his sister and caregiver, Judy Braner of Plymouth, Indiana, sister, Joyce Burch of Glendale, Arizona, brother, Larry (Cathy) Braner of Edgewood, New Mexico, special niece Peggy ( Burch)Marcum of Prescott, Arizona, special nephew Michael (Amanda) Braner of Westfield, Indiana, several great nieces and nephews, and many special friends.
       He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law, Roy Burch, niece, Denise (Burch) Holsinger, and nephew, Kerry Burch.
       In his early years Jerry was called “Joe” by his family and the following poem was written by his mother:
       “Joe”
       Many do not know him,
       His love for them is clear,
       He does not always express his thanks,
       But life to him is dear,
       He cannot talk distinctly,
       His movements awkward be,
       He has no hate for others; His love for them is free.
       He goes his way unnoticed
       By many who are near,
       He has a world unto himself,
       And seems to have no fear.
       Please Lord look out for him
       For some forgot to care,
       Other troubles worry them
       Sometimes it seems not fair.
       He goes to school so happy
       To learn of many things
       And forgets them just as quickly
       Like buttons and tying shoestrings.
       He has to learn things for himself,
       Th’o some will help him, still we,
       With him cannot ever be
       Dear Lord, I’m sure you will.
       Per his request there will be no visitation. Graveside Services will be held at the Tyner Cemetery on Wednesday January 31, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. with the Rev. Chuck Krieg officiating.
       Memorials contributions may be made to the Marshall-Starke Development Center 1901 Pidco Drive, Plymouth, Indiana 46563 or Southern Hospice Care 1626 E Day Rd., Mishawaka, Indiana 46545.