Gerald Andrew Branam

Gerald Andrew Branam, 35, of North Vernon, passed away on Friday, August 12, 2022, at St. Vincent Jennings Hospital in North Vernon.

Born June 29, 1987, in Columbus, he was the son of Kimberly (Smith) Kostek and the late Jimmie S. Branam. He married Sommer Porter on May 14, 2017, in North Vernon; she survives.

Andrew was a 2006 graduate of Jennings County High School and received his associate degree from Ball State University. He worked for Bowen Engineering in Greenwood as a labor foreman for three years and had previously worked for Harmon Construction for two years. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, fishing, and woodworking. He loved spending time with his family, being the center of attention and giving bear hugs.

Surviving with his wife, Sommer, are his son, Xxavier Biddinger of North Vernon; his daughters, Lyrick Biddinger and Jericah Kissick, both of North Vernon; his mother, Kimberly (Shawn) Kostek of North Vernon; brother, Jake Branam of Seymour; sisters, Rebecca (Michael) Murphy of Columbus and Sarah (Chad) Thomas of North Vernon; grandmothers, Rose Ann Rudicel and Frances McGuire, both of North Vernon; nephews, Blake Hardesty, Jesse Thomas and Jaxxson Thomas, all of North Vernon, and Jaizyn Cruse of Columbus; and nieces, Madisyn Hardesty of Columbus, Megan Shipley of Indianapolis, Sidnee Thomas of North Vernon, and Aryann Baughman of Seymour.

He was preceded in death by his father; grandfather, James H. Smith; and great-grandparents, Gerald & Betty Fields.

A funeral service for Andrew will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 19, 2022, at the Dove-Sharp & Rudicel Funeral Home and Cremation Service in North Vernon with Alden Rudicel officiating. A visitation for Andrew will be held Friday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow in the Vernon Cemetery in Vernon.

Memorials may be made in honor of Andrew through the funeral home for a scholarship fund that is to be established for his children.

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