Branson Evan Kerber

Branson graduated from Williamsville High School in 2006. He played high school football and hockey all four years. Branson played for the Springfield Kings hockey club from the third grade through high school.

Branson enlisted in the Navy after graduating from Williamsville. After boot camp, his orders took him to Everett, Washington. He was assigned to the USS Ingraham FFG 61. Branson would spend five years in the Navy all on the USS Ingraham. He was deployed several times spending time in the Persian Gulf. Branson reached the rank of OS2 (Operation Specialist) and spent his time in the Combat Information Center (CIC) on the Ingraham, the nerve center of a Navy ship. He earned several ribbons during his time on ship: Navy Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (twice), Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon, and the Pistol Sharpshooter Ribbon. While on the ship, he became interested in Air Traffic Control. When Branson left the Navy, he enrolled at Sacramento Community College and earned his associates in Air Traffic Control/ Air Dispatch. During this time, he met Taaisha Finklea; she preceded him in death, and they had a daughter together, Zakariah Kerber. Branson would later earn his bachelor’s degree from DeVry in Computer Networking. He worked at Casey’s, Goodwill, and Hertz as a manager before accepting a job at the Illinois Department of Revenue as a Tax Specialist. He was excited about upcoming job duties and enjoyed his time at Revenue. Branson volunteered with Riverton Youth Baseball. He was the treasurer and a coach. Branson truly enjoyed his time with the baseball program. He was always concerned about children that might not have the means to pay the fee. Branson would pay the fees for children as much as possible and would have gladly paid for all if he was able. He enjoyed fishing and spending time with his daughter. Branson was a Chicago Bears, Blackhawks and Cubs fan, with hockey being his favorite sport. He loved history and reading.

Branson was struggling through PTSD after his time in the Navy. He was an active member of AA and was working hard to make a better life for his daughter and himself. The AA group helped him through the trials and tribulations of getting clean, along with many conversations with his immediate family and aunt, Leigh Ann. Branson loved his daughter more than anything and was excited about the future. He was less than one week of being clean and sober for one year. Everyone is extremely proud of his journey and perseverance.

Branson was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Margaret “Peggy” Dean; his younger sister, Presley Clare Kerber and Taaisha Finklea, mother of Zakariah.

Branson is survived by his daughter, Zakariah “Kari” Kerber; his parents, Brian and Lynn Kerber of Sherman; sibling, Ashla (fiancé, John Baermann) Kerber of Springfield; his grandfather, Ron Dean of Springfield; grandmother, Voncella Kerber of Riverton; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.

Graveside Ceremony: 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 10, 2023, at Camp Butler National Cemetery, 5063 Camp Butler Road, Springfield.

Memorial contributions may be made to United Community Bank in the name of Zakariah Kerber Memorial Fund. These can be dropped off at any branch or mailed to: United Community Bank, 120 Illini Boulevard, Sherman, IL 62684.