January 7, 1953 – November 11, 2019
John Allan Bragg, 66, Atlanta, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday afternoon, November 11, 2019. Born January 7, 1953 in Clinton County, he was the son of the late Henry Osborne and Agnes Irene (Birden) Bragg.
John was a 1971 graduate of Sheridan High School where he participated in multiple sports. Fall was always dedicated to football, and in the spring, he would compete with the track team. John excelled at the high jump and shot put events. For many years, he held the shot put record for the Blackhawks.
John loved working with his hands. He was a machinist and tool setter for Chrysler for the past 35 years. When he wasn’t making parts at work, he was tinkering around in his garage fixing this and that or fiddling around with one of his cars. His love of cars helped fuel his excitement for professional racing. John was a huge NASCAR fan, but was an even bigger Indianapolis 500 fan. For many families in Indiana, going to the track during the month of May is a yearly tradition, and so it was for John’s family. Race Day was always a special time – the sights, the smells and the traditions of the Indy 500 were something he looked forward to each and every year. John was also an Indianapolis Colts fan, cheering and screaming along with the rest of the Colts faithful through thick and thin, and thinner, and thinner. He always sported his blue and white with pride.
When it was time to kick back and relax, going camping, hunting and fishing seemed to fit the bill – and sometimes he just needed to hop on a motorcycle and hit the open road. He loved the freedom and the thrill.
He was a member of the UAW Local 685 and the Sons of the American Legion.
John was a humble man of strong faith. God and family were the most important things in his life. He is survived by his former spouse, Maria (Stahl) Bragg; two sons, Darrell Robert Bragg (Kristen), Indianapolis, and Jason Allen Bragg (Liz), Chandler, Ind.; his daughter, Rebecca Ann Bault (Joshua), Sheridan; four brothers, James Alden Bragg (Darlene), Clinton, Pa., Ivan Neal Bragg, Greentown, Dennis Henry Bragg (Carol), Frankfort, and Kevin Eugene Bragg (Lisa), Sheridan; one sister, Sandra Sue Houchens (John), Kokomo; and by his five grandchildren, Logan Bragg, Ella Bragg, Austin Bragg, Jacob Bault and Lucas Bault. “Pappy” never missed an opportunity to do a little roughhousing with his grandkids.
John is also survived by two very special groups in his life: All of his friends from the Atlanta Pub who loved to watch him dance from time to time, and by the family of raccoons that have called John’s attic their home, year after year, without fail.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, November 18, 2019 at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th St., Sheridan, with visitation from 11 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Crown View Cemetery in Sheridan. Pastor George Cooper will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be presented to the Salvation Army.
Arrangements
Calling: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nov. 18
Service: 2 p.m., Nov. 18
Location: Kercheval Funeral Home
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com