November 17, 1963 – July 9, 2023
John Allen Brandenburg, 59, Sheridan, passed away on July 9, 2023. He was born on November 17, 1963, to H. Leon and Anna Faye (Walker) Brandenburg.
Growing up on a farm in rural Sheridan, he acquired a love for farming and farm life at an early age. That love was cultivated through his 10-year 4-H career. He enjoyed showing livestock and participated in livestock judging in high school as part of the FFA club. While in high school he also developed a life-long passion for photography as part of the yearbook staff. He was the editor of the edition for his senior year. He graduated from Marion-Adams High School in 1982.
John married Melanie Keller in 1984, and together they raised their daughter, Sarah. Sarah was the great pride of his life, and John loved being a father. He spent his free time as a young father getting involved with things Sarah did in school, like being a project leader for 4-H and driving the bus for her high school marching band.
He enjoyed driving and made a living for most of his life driving delivery trucks for Indianapolis Fruit and HP Products. A big part of what he liked about those jobs was being able to talk to customers along the routes. He was a natural “people person” and enjoyed himself the most when he was talking to others.
One of the other things that gave John the greatest happiness was dressing up as Santa Claus for Christmas. Over the course of many years, he took on opportunities around the holiday season to dress up and play Saint Nick for the kids. It brought him great joy to celebrate the Christmas season with children and make them smile.
Euchre was John’s game of choice for his entire life, and he was always ready to start or join a game. It was an interest he shared with his father, and they often played games together at the clubhouse in the community where John lived. It was through that euchre group that he later met Sharon Allen, and they were married on June 10, 2023.
He was a man of faith and had studied for a time to be a minister. Although he never finished, he found many opportunities in his life to spread the word of God, and he helped many people come to know God, as well. He was very active with the churches he attended.
Many people will likely remember John as someone who loved to laugh and make others laugh. Telling jokes was a favorite pastime of his and when he laughed, it was full of joy. He was outgoing and fun, and a very likeable person. He had a warm heart and great capacity for love. That warmth and love will be greatly missed by his family.
John is survived by, his wife, Sharon Allen; daughter, Sarah Lynn (Jonathan) Jensen of Sheridan; siblings, Nancy Ann (Ron) Powers of Sheridan, David Leon (Lori) Brandenburg of Plainfield, and LeAnn (Jason) Hopper of Westville, Ind.; nieces and nephews, Aaron Lee (Leah) Powers, Micah Andrew Powers, Kylee Ann Powers (Kyle Johnson, fiancée), Elizabeth Anna Brandenburg; and great-nieces and nephews, Alexander Lee Powers and Sybil Noel Powers.
He was preceded in death by his parents, H. Leon and Anna Faye Brandenburg.
Services will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, July 17, 2023, at Six Points Church, 1545 W. 226th St., Sheridan, with visitation from 4 p.m. until the time of service.
John will be laid to rest at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at Crown View Cemetery in Sheridan. Pastor Scott McDermid will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be presented to the Sheridan Historical Society, Boone County 4-H, or to the Toys for Tots Christmas Fund.
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com