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AUBURN — U.S. Army Sgt. JaBraun Steven Knox, 23, of Auburn was killed in action Friday, May 18, 2012, in Afghanistan when an enemy rocket struck an area where extra shells were stored.
Sgt. Knox had been stationed in Afghanistan since November 2011 with the First Battalion 377 Field Artillery Regiment. He had served in the Army for more than three years and was based at Fort Lewis, Wash. He had previously been deployed to Iraq.
JaBraun was a 2007 graduate of DeKalb High School where he excelled in sports. He played quarterback and defense in football and center field in baseball. In both sports, he won all-conference honors from the Northeast Hoosier Conference and first-team all-area recognition from KPC Media Group.
He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Auburn.
He was born in Fort Wayne on July 13, 1988. His parents Kenneth and Kelly (Macke) Knox survive in Auburn.
He married Courtney Beerbower on November 9, 2009, in Fort Wayne and she survives.
JaBraun is survived by his infant son, Braylon Knox; a sister and a brother, Amara Knox and Ty Knox, both of Auburn; and his grandparents, Roger and Carrie Macke of Fort Wayne, Vernell Nelson of Fort Wayne and Barbara Knox of Edgerton, Ohio.
He was preceded in death by two grandfathers, Sim Nelson and O’Neil Knox, and an uncle, Sim Nelson Jr.
Services are 2 PM Tuesday May 29, 2012 at the National Military History Center south of Auburn. Burial will be in Highland Park Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Calling is 12 to 3 and 5 to 8 PM Monday at Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 South Center Street, Auburn, IN. Memorials can be directed to a Trust for Braylon Knox at PNC Bank in Auburn or Wounded Warriors Program.
Feller and Clark Funeral Home of Auburn are handling arrangements.
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Click the button to generate a printable document containing all condolences submitted
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Condolence Booklet
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Rae Ann Bade
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Posted Tue May 22, 2012
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Sgt Knox, God Bless your family, for you have given the supreme sacrifice for our country's freedom. Your family and troop members are in my mind and prayers.
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Amy Truesdell
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Posted Wed May 23, 2012
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Knox and Beerbower families: My heart is with all of you in this time of loss of your wonderful son, son-in-law, brother, husband and father. May the peace that passes all understanding be granted by our Lord and Saviour during this time of your loss. My prayers and love are with all of you.
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Jeff Bickel
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Posted Wed May 23, 2012
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Sgt. Knox, Thank You for your service. You gave all and I thank you. Thank you to the Knox family. You and yours will be in my prayers.
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Tom and Jane Hulen
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Posted Wed May 23, 2012
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Know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very, very sad time - such a sacrafice he gave to our Country and the sacrafices all of the family gave -
We are the parents of Don Hulen and the step Grandparents of Nancy Grayless Hulen's daughters -
Blessings to all and pray that God will see you through this horrible time,
Tom and Jane
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Hugh and Jan Taylor
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Posted Wed May 23, 2012
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Sgt. Knox you are a hero among heros. No greater sacrifice could you give to your country. Thank you for your service and God bless you and your family.
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Rick and Jennie Short
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Posted Wed May 23, 2012
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Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Sgt. Knox. His selfless service to our country will not be forgotten. He is a hero in the truest sense.
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Carolyn & Bob King
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Posted Wed May 23, 2012
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We send our deepest sympathy. We pray that God is with you during this very difficult time. Our son is a soldier in the US Army and we cannot start to understand what you are going through at this time. Please believe JaBraun is a TRUE AMERICAN HERO. God be with you!
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Jerry Campbell, Captain-kendallville Fire Dept. Ret.
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Posted Wed May 23, 2012
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Sorry to hear of the passing of Sgt. Knox. I want you to know I appreciate the sacifice he made for his county and for us so we can have the life we have know. You have my thoughts and prayers.
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charity strachan
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Posted Wed May 23, 2012
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jabraun i remeber when you played baseball with my brother you were an amazing guy made people laugh you were caring and had a warm heart you will be missed by many im sorry kelly ken emara ty n courtney for your loss you guys are in my prayers
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Alissa Spice
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Posted Wed May 23, 2012
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I never knew JaBraun personally, but my sister Sajea was a close friend and I knew of him since they were little kids... I cannot imagine what you must be going through right now but please know you''re in my family''s thoughts and prayers all the way in Florida. May God grant you peace, comfort and strength through this difficult time.
Thank you, JaBraun, for your service and sacrifice. You have touched the lives of not only those who knew you but the rest of your community. You''ll never be forgotten.
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Matt Marti
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Posted Wed May 23, 2012
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My deepest condolences to your family for this loss. Though I didn't know him it's always a sad day when one of my brothers-in-arms gives the ultimate sacrifice for his country. Just know he died in defense of everything this country stands for and all of the military feels the loss.
-former Specialist Matt Marti
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Seria Nelson-Walton
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Posted Wed May 23, 2012
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My dear and beloved cousin...I've been close to you since the day you were born and I know God has you in his arms. I miss you already but know you are in a better place. I'm going to miss your energy, laugh, smile and your caring heart. We love you now and forever more.
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Howard and Brenda Viera
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Posted Wed May 23, 2012
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To the Family of Sgt knox
What can be said about such a guy ,he always was the life of the party always happy and loved his family very much. He will be missed by all who knew him he was a good friend and a great battle .loved by so many
Gone but never forgotten
Sorry for your loss if you need anything at all the Viera's are here for you
Howard & Brenda Viera
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Gina Maxwell
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Posted Wed May 23, 2012
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My dearest Jabraun...I''ve watched you grow up since kindergarten with my kids as you became such a fine young man & outstanding hero to all of us. May God wrap his loving arms around you & your loved ones as you go on to a better place. God Bless you. My love & prayers are with all of you. RIP son.
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Stacy Guinn
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Posted Wed May 23, 2012
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I am so sorry for your loss. I remember all of the times that him and Steven (Hanson) spent together when they were younger, JaBraun was a very special young man. He paid the ultimate sacrifice protecting us and protecting our freedom. May God Bless all of you in this very sad time.
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Shelli Williams
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Posted Wed May 23, 2012
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Kelly my heart breaks for you and your family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
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Cliff and Susan Kinzer
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Posted Wed May 23, 2012
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JaBraun You are going to be missed by so many. Thank you for your service to our country and to our God. I know you are rejoicing in heaven right now. I am so glad I got to see you at church while you were home. I will never forget you, my friend.
Kelly, Ken, Amara, Ty, Courtney, and Braylon, I have no words. I am sorry that you didnt get to spend more time with Braun. My heart is broken for you all. Braun is a true Hero. and he was a one of a kind. Susan and Cliff
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Alan and Lori High
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Posted Wed May 23, 2012
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So very sorry to hear of your lost...The High family...Alan and Lori...Brent and Zachary High want to let you know that we were deeply moved to hear that JaBraun lost his life while serving his Nation...our hearts go out to you all. I remember him from Wrestling with Brent on DeKalb's wrestling team. We learned of his passing on facebook and judging from the response that the posting got...he'll be remembered for a very long time. R. I .P JeBraun and may God bless your soul.
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Lynda McGlothlin
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Posted Wed May 23, 2012
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I know I did not know him personaly but my heart goes out to you and your family I pray the Lord help you threw this trying time and am in very in greatful for the sacifice he made for our freedom I only know of two ones who gave there life for us Jesus who died for are heart ans souls and are armed forces for our freedom I will for ever be in det to them may God bless you and I will be so thank-ful for people like him for if it was not for them we be loss
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Blair Dunning
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Posted Thu May 24, 2012
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to the family of jabraun you are in my prayers. jabraun was an amazing guy i spent alot of time with that guy in the wrestling room. he will be missed very much.
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Brandi Woodward
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Posted Thu May 24, 2012
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Although i didn''t have the pleasure of meeting sgt knox.. alot of my friends knew him I''ve heard nothing but good from our home town hero. I lost my older brother 13 years ago.he would be thirty this year... I know the loss of an important part of your life and nothing can take the pain away..... I''m so sorry for you family and friends. You are ll in my families thoughts and prayers........ Stay strong and hold eachother up. You can make it through the toughest days with the love and arms of loved ones.
And yet again another good soul taken too soon from the arms of his loved ones
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Tyler and Teri McKown
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Posted Thu May 24, 2012
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Please know that we are praying for comfort and strength for your family during this difficult time. Please don't hesitate to ask for ANYTHING!
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Jennie Resor
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Posted Thu May 24, 2012
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I have known jaBraun since the first grade i moved schools and he was the first person to make friends with and he was a great guy and funny and always nice to everybody he was such a good guy who will be missed by many for a great deal of time my condolences go out to his wife and son and his family and friends. with most of his friends were family i would also like to say that i apperciate all that he has done for our country too rip jabraun you will be missed dearly
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Dawn Sipes
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Posted Thu May 24, 2012
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Please accept my heart felt condolences. I have a 19 year old son in the military and I cannot begin to imagine the pain and pride that must be in your hearts. Thanks to JaBraun and to his family for we understand the sacrifice that military families make, with this tragedy being the ultimate sacrifice. My heart breaks for your family. God bless you.
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Stevie Bledsoe & family
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Posted Thu May 24, 2012
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Please know that we will honor JaBraun’s memory & never forget the sacrifice that he made.
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Nick, Lisa, Kaleb and Emily Herron
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Posted Thu May 24, 2012
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What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more touch, we may not understand why you left this earth so soon, or why you left before we were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, we begin to remember not just that you died, but that you lived. And that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget.
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Shane & Kelli Heath
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Posted Thu May 24, 2012
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Knox & Beerbower families: Our thoughts are prayers are with you in this difficult time. We know there are no words that can take away the pain. We believe that there are angels amoung us and JaBraun truly was one. Thank you for the sacrifice he has made for us. Remember the good times, lean on one another, take it one day at a time, and no regrets - Life is too short!
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Sue
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Posted Thu May 24, 2012
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Sgt. Knox, I thank you for your service to our country and the ultimate sacrifice you, and your family, have made on behalf of our country. God bless you. May He hold your family close to his heart at this time of great sorrow.
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Eddie and Monica McClure
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Posted Thu May 24, 2012
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We can't even begin to imaging the pain you are going through. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, we are so very sorry for your loss.
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Stacy and Terrie Sexton and Children (Luke, Clare, and Charlie)
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Posted Thu May 24, 2012
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Sgt. Knox, Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice to keep my wife and children safe from the evils of this world. May you rest in peace! Go rest high on that mountain, son your work on earth is done.
To the Knox family,
The world lost a hero May 18, 2012. He will be honored and remembered that way! May the Lords blessings be with you all, through your time of sorrow and pain. God Bless!
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Bev Lash
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Posted Thu May 24, 2012
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I must begin by saying I do not know JaBraun personally but felt I needed to send this to his family. It brings great sorrow to me that such a young soldier that has served our country has been lost. I have unrealistic hopes and dreams that all men and women in the service will return home safe. My heartfelt condolences to all the family.
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Jill Crosby And Family
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Posted Thu May 24, 2012
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Thank you stranger that i never meet for your service in protecting myself and children. We have many mutual friends and i have heard only good words spoken of you. I will pray that your family can come away stronger. I truly believe that you are a hero and i thank you young man for being a proud american and keeping us all safe.
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Hunter Rowe
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Posted Thu May 24, 2012
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Mr.Knox seemed like a great guy. I talked to him for maybe twenty minutes while his wife was a teacher in my class. I couldn''t believe it when I found out he passed. It scared me knowing how Braylon has to grow up without a father now. I wish I could be present at the funeral to say my thanks to him for supporting our country and lose his life fighting for our freedom. I could not thank him enough. The Family Is In My Prayers<3
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Patti Anderson
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Posted Thu May 24, 2012
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There are not enough words or tears to express our sorrow and sympathy for all of the family. Such a tragic loss. JaBraun touched the hearts of all that knew him whether they just met him or knew him for years. He was that special kid with sparkling eyes and million dollar smile. He will forever be in our hearts and will live on in little Braylon. RIP JaBraun and may God be with all of the Knox, Beerbower and Macke families.
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Jeff Dyke
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Posted Thu May 24, 2012
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You have joined your brother and sisters to watch over us. Thank-you for the ultimate sacrifice to our country. I will "Never Forget" i fly my flag everyday and am a vet that cares. If I may of be of service to your family in any way please feel free to call upon me. May peace come to your family and again thank-you.
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Andrew and Jill (Clark) Nisenshal
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Posted Thu May 24, 2012
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Kelly and family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss. May God be of comfort to you during this extremely difficult time. We are thinking of you and praying for your family.
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Sylvia Widmeyer
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Posted Fri May 25, 2012
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To the family of Sgt Knox – I did not know Labraun personally, but I want to say that I will be indebted to him, and you as his family, for his ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. HEROES, are the service men and women that protect our freedom staring in the face of danger. Your son was a true HERO. I pray that in time you will find peace. God Bless and Protect You.
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Jeff Emsweller, Greensburg Chamber of Commerce
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Posted Fri May 25, 2012
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So sorry to hear about your loss. Thoughts and prayers from the Greensburg/Decatur County Chamber of Commerce are with you.
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Caryn Myrice
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Posted Fri May 25, 2012
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Courtney
You and your family don’t know me; our paths have never crossed. I, like you, have recently lost my husband (April 13, 2012) and also have a young child (7 year old boy) that will now grow up with just memories of the man of which he resembles. An unexpected loss like ours creates a pain in our hearts that feels like will never go away - an emptiness deeper than the Grand Canyon. I don’t have words of encouragement to give you (yet) and don’t have a magic wand I can wave to make this go away; I do, however, have a prayer that I will offer to you daily that God will put peace and understanding upon you so that you might, at some point, feel comforted. May the strength that comes thru Him be yours on your darkest days. Be Blessed – Caryn Myrice (feel free to contact me if you want to talk to someone who is, right now, going thru what you are 260-402-6000).
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Christine Wilhelm
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Posted Fri May 25, 2012
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Dear Courtney,
My heart breaks for you, dear. You, your son and both your families are heros- you have sacrificed too in your loss. Thank you for his service and ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. You were such a fine young girl who grew into a beautiful young woman. I so wish life hadn't brought you to this point. I only thought of the best for my students. Please know that I will be thinking of you for a long time. May God's presence be felt by you and all the family as you go thru this process of grief and the many days to come.
Your first grade teacher, Mrs. Wilhelm
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Ed & Judy Ungerer & family
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Posted Fri May 25, 2012
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We were so saddened to hear of the loss of JaBraun. We first met him when he was in middle school wrestling. He always had a smile on his face (he must have gotten that from you Kelly), enjoyed what he was doing and was a great leader even at a young age. We thank him for his ultimate sacrifice and his service to our country. We hope you can find comfort in the fact that he was so well liked by everyone he met and that he enjoyed life to its fullest. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Hudson Fire Department
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Posted Fri May 25, 2012
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Our deepest condolences go out to the Knox family in their time of mourning. Jabraun was a true hero and will be missed by many. Thoughts and prayers.
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Mike Montague
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Posted Fri May 25, 2012
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To the family of Sgt. Knox,
I dont know you folks but I wanted to say
You are all in my prayers. My God give
you peace at this time
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Pam Martin
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Posted Fri May 25, 2012
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Kelly, I don't think my heart will ever stop aching for you and your family. Just know all of you are being cradled in God's hand and He will comfort and sustain you.
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Monica Pollard
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Posted Fri May 25, 2012
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Dear Knox family,
I was so sorry to hear about JaBraun. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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Steve Robison
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Posted Fri May 25, 2012
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I did not know JaBraun personally, but my boy met him in his classroom. I was in the army also and I had Mr. Beerbower as a teacher in high school and he is my son''s and step daughters guidance counselor. His wife was a substitute for all of the kids. Mr. beerbower and Courtney I am all of you involved so sorry for your loss and may the thoughts and memories of him bring you peace. Sorry and may the rememberence of a great person and a hero help you in these hard times.
Steve Robison
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Jerry & Cindy Raney, Kendallville
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Posted Fri May 25, 2012
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Although we did not know Sgt. Knox, it is with a heavy heart that we send our sincere condolences to his family and friends. We pray that God blesses you and holds each of you close now and in the days to come.
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Daniel Mackie
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Posted Sat May 26, 2012
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Courtney and members of the Knox family. It was in great sadness to hear of his passing. It ht right home in the gut I tell ya. I wasn't as close as I would have liked to have been knowing what we know now. I would've have taken then time to fly west and meet him. I will ever regret not trying to come out that way.
I hope that the tears and sadness you have now, will pave the way for joyful and happy times. It will be a chore most of the way, but if Sgt. Knox picked you as his wife, I know you are pretty darn tough. I will miss the many laughs Jabraun and I shared through our short time of knowing each other.
Take care of yourself and beautiful son.
Sincerely,
Daniel J. Mackie
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Wayne Bartlett, Blue and Gold Officer, U. S. Naval Academy
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Posted Sat May 26, 2012
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God Bless you Soldier and thank you for your service. You are truly a part of the "New" greatest generation.
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mike & karen beerbower also family
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Posted Sat May 26, 2012
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We want to thank you and your family for the sacrafice you have given us and this country. You are truly a hero to us and this country.
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Lisa Jaques
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Posted Sat May 26, 2012
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Praying for God''s peace and comfort. You are in our prayers.
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Beth Steury (Klees)
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Posted Sat May 26, 2012
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Kelly and Family-
Words cannot express my hurt for you! It really hits home when you have boys the same age!!! I did not know JaBraun although I know that he had to be an awesome guy coming from a WONDERFUL family!!! Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers! Thanks to your amazing son that sacrificed his life to protect our country! Take one day at a time! Love you!
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Mike, Connie and Thomas Gerardot
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Posted Sat May 26, 2012
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You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for your service Sgt. JaBraun Knox. You will never be forgotten.
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Anne clements Tarter - Ed Tarter
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Posted Sun May 27, 2012
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My heart is very heavy for you and your family i am a GOLD Star Mother who lost her son SPC Chad Clements 26 yrs old Huntington IN, Aug 30 2010 in Afghanistan . Words cannot express the pain you are feeling . A loss like yours is like no other.If you ever need someone to talk with i am here my cousin Bradon Thews went to school with SGT Knox, i am so sorry. Your son Husband Uncle Cousin is someone who will never be forgotten A true American Hero . Memories are what helps me and i csn tell he was a very special man , You all have a long road ahead of you something i have never overcome a piece of me is gone but Chads memories keep me going Again if i can help i am here , prayers go out to all of you . Again i am so sorry much love and Hugs to you all
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Brenda Johnson
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Posted Sun May 27, 2012
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There are no words to take away your pain. Your family is being lifted in prayer across this country to give you strength. All i can say is thank you JaBraun for protecting my freedom - and thanks to your wife, son and family for sharing him with America, He is a HERO.
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tanya
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Posted Sun May 27, 2012
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All tho i have never met you i just want to say sorry for your loss. He gave the ulimate sacrafice as did you and your family. May God bless and help you thru these times.
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Jim Clarke
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Posted Mon May 28, 2012
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The last time I saw JaBraun was three or four years ago when he was distance running to prepare for his new career and ran down our road when I was weeding the garden. Most people just wave and say hello, but he took the time to stop and talk about life with one of his old Little League and Basketball League coaches. The last thing I told him was to be careful and don't try to be a hero. He didn't listen to me because he is a Hero.
I hope the pain subsides soon for all of us. Thank you for being such good parents.
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Sandra Keesee
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Posted Mon May 28, 2012
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It was always so great to lead the FRG meetings and have JaBraun and Courtney smiling back at me. I am sadden by the loss of JaBraun, and my heart goes out to the Family, and to Courtney. He will always be remembered here in the Keesee home.
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Kim Harriman-Vice
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Posted Mon May 28, 2012
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What a pleasure it was to watch Braun grow into such a fine man. I am horored to have known him and his family. My heart breaks for you all. God speed Sgt. Knox.
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Melissa Mertz
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Posted Tue May 29, 2012
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You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for your service Sgt. JaBraun Knox. You will never be forgotten.
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Tammy Chandler
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Posted Tue May 29, 2012
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You will be truly missed, my memories of you are when you used to run around your cousin Seria and I, your smile brightened up any room you came in. You will never be forgotten. GOD has gained an angel, please keep watch over your family.
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Bill & Alice MacDonald
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Posted Tue May 29, 2012
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We express our sympathy for the loss of your son. You are all in our prayers.
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Stephanie Hanson
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Posted Tue May 29, 2012
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I remember when JaBraun, Ty and Amara were young our mothers were close friends, and i had the honor of babysitting them from time to time. In school he and my brother Jeff Hanson were good friends and he always said hi and had a warm smile every time i saw him. I was so heartbroken to hear of his passing and I wish that i could have been there today but i am in Texas at the moment. My heart goes out to his family, they are great people and know that through this difficult time you are loved by so many and that its people like JaBraun that we can thank for the freedom that we enjoy. God bless you all.
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Norman & Cynthia Berning
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Posted Wed May 30, 2012
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To family members of JaBraun we express our deepest sympathy. We have known the Macke family for years by going to church with them, living in the same neighborhood, having the older Mackes in 4-H, and most of all being distant relation. JaBraun is a hero. His loved ones will miss him dearly, but remember the memories you have created with him, Courtney, and their son. Never forget him. God bless the family and friends during this time and in the days ahead.
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Kim Bergman (Peters)
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Posted Wed May 30, 2012
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Kelly & family and entire Macke family;
Please accept my deepest sympathies. My prayers are with you all during this very difficult time. It doesn't surprise me what a great son he was! I've never known a Macke to be anything but caring and giving. I'm thankful for the service he provided to our country. May God bless you all and give you strength!
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Susan Till, LMVFM
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Posted Wed May 30, 2012
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We extend our sincere sympathies to Courtney and Braylon and the entire Knox family on our loss of Sgt. Knox. No words can suffice. You are in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Lutheran Military Veterans & Families Ministries, Inc.
Fort Wayne, IN 46805
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Tom & Lali Cahill
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Posted Wed May 30, 2012
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Kelly, Ken & family, Courtney & Braylon,
Our heartfelt sympathies on the passing of JaBraun. My son Trey was the center on the football team JaBraun's senior year. Unfortunately, I did not know JaBraun beyond the sports world, which is sad, seeing the fine person he grew into. It is through JaBraun's unselfishness to serve his country that enable my son and our family to pursue our lives and happiness. Words can not express the sorrow and grief of JaBraun's passing. But we are all here with you in sharing that loss. Courtney - remember the saying that it takes a village to raise a child. This village will be with you in raising Braylon into a fine young man as JaBraun was. We will forever be with all of you.
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Submitted by Cassie Evans (Portrait Visions By Cassie) on Thu May 24, 2012
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Here is a link to a slideshow I've done in memory of JaBraun...didn't know if you could share the link here..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PF_9jsOzxSs |
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