Jere E. Braden, 81, of Delavan passed away Thursday, May 13, 2021 at his home.
Jere was born in East Alton, Illinois, Madison County to James Russell Braden and Mary Anna Wright-Raeske- Braden. His siblings were, James Gail Braden and half-brother Wayne Charles Jerome Raeske. He spent his early years in East Alton and Hettick, Illinois. He was a volunteer fireman, founding member and first treasurer of the Hettick, Illinois Volunteer Fire Department and was elected to the town council. He was a Past Master and life member of the Palmyra, Illinois Masonic Lodge #463.
In his professional career, he was a Public Health Program Administrator for the Illinois Department of Public Health. He enjoyed music and played lead guitar in several bands. He was an avid genealogist, researching family history. After retirement, he studied law enforcement and graduated from Illinois Central College with a degree, emphasis in law enforcement. He subsequently became a police officer for the City of Delavan, Illinois for many years, later he was elected to three four-year terms as city alderman during a period of revitalization of the downtown business community and major upgrading of city infrastructure, and the establishment of Tax Increment Financing districts to encourage business development. He was also a member of the Delavan Rotary Club and Chairman of the Delavan City Planning Commission during the time the Casey’s General Store was built in Delavan.
He married Judith Ann Searles on December 14, 1963 in Alton and they had two daughters, Cynthia Joleen (Douglas) Springer and Christiana Joy (Benjamin) Lake. He also has five grandchildren, Grace, Katie, and Sam Springer and Maddie and Josh Lake.
His funeral will be at 11:00 am Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at Delavan Baptist Church. Pastor Andy Goewey will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:45, also at the church. Burial will be in Prairie Rest Cemetery in Delavan. Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Delavan is handling the arrangements.
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