Jan D. Bratcher

Mr. Jan D. Bratcher of Newport departed this life on Saturday, September 10, 2011, at North Little Rock, Arkansas at the age of 64. He was born July 30, 1947 in Helena, the son of Arthur Boysen and Eberle Stevenson (Daggett) Bratcher. He graduated from T.A. Futrall High School at Marianna in 1965. Mr. Bratcher then spent several years working alongside his father at Twin City Beverage in Little Rock. He joined the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, serving from 1967-1972, and received two Bronze Stars. His service to his country was a source of great pride to him and his patriotism continued throughout his life. He proudly helped raise funds for the Arkansas Vietnam Veteran's Memorial. Following his military service, he attended UALR where he received a bachelors degree in Environmental Health. After graduating from college, Mr. Bratcher rejoined his father at Twin City Beverage in Little Rock where he worked until moving to Newport in 1986. Mr. Bratcher was owner and operator of White River Beverage Company in Newport from 1986 until 2000, after which he became the owner and operator of Bratcher Real Estate and Insurance. He was a licensed insurance agent selling insurance products for several years. Mr. Bratcher served the community of Newport as a City Councilman for several years, a member of the Newport Special School District School Board, and volunteered as Volleyball Corporate Sponsor at Portfest. He was a member and former president of the Newport Country Club. Mr. Bratcher was an Arkansas Razorback and ASU Red Wolf fan, as well as an avid hunter and fisherman. Mr. Bratcher enjoyed spending time with his son, Brady, and nephews, Patrick, Ben, and Grant hunting and fishing. He enjoyed cooking and especially loved to cook breakfast for his daughter and her friends when they spent the night. Mr. Jan Bratcher was known for his kind and generous spirit and his friendly and outgoing personality. He was a hard working man, a loving father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle. Mr. Bratcher was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his children, Jenna Eberle Bratcher Grandbois of Little Rock, Arkansas, Brady Bratcher and wife Charissa of Little Rock, and Logan Cecilia Bratcher of Newport; five grandchildren, Seth Mitchell Grandbois, Eberle Anne Grandbois, Demi Elizabeth Grandbois, Henry Bratcher, and Anna Bratcher; two brothers, Art Bratcher of Marianna and Glenn Bratcher of Katy, Texas; two sisters, Layne Bratcher Fleming of North Little Rock and Leigh Bratcher Bunten of Bryant. A Rosary service will be Tuesday, September 13, 2011, at 5:45 p.m. at Jackson's Newport Funeral Home Chapel with visitation following until 9 p.m. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Newport with Father Phillip Reaves officiating. Interment will be 3 p.m. Wednesday at Marianna Memorial Park Cemetery in Marianna. Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Kevin Bratcher, Jeff Bratcher, Brian Bratcher, Patrick Wyerick, Ben Black, and Grant Black. Arrangements: Jackson's Newport Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, sign register book, or light a memorial candle, visit our website: www.jacksonsfh.com.