Jeffrey “Jeff” Mark Brawner, 67, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away on his family farm on November 3, 2025, a place he had proudly called home since 1980.

Jeff was born on January 25, 1958, in Kirksville, Missouri, the son of James G. and Donna Brawner. He was raised on a family farm just south of Sperry and learned the value of hard work and community early in life. Jeff was an active member of the FFA and graduated from Kirksville High School in 1976. He went on to attend Northeast Missouri State University, where he studied agriculture, earned his degree in 1980, and was a proud member of the AGR fraternity.

Jeff spent many years and could tell many stories from working with his father on milk routes before stepping out on his own to start a crop insurance agency from scratch in 1992. With a passion for agriculture and a dedication to the local farming community, Jeff built his business on genuine relationships, often meeting farmers in their fields and doing business on the hood of his truck. Over the course of three decades, he grew his agency to serve 26 counties across northern Missouri. He took immense pride in his work and believed that service came before all else.

Outside of business, Jeff was a devoted family man. He was deeply committed to supporting his three sons in their activities and could be found coaching football, wrestling, and baseball throughout their youth. For years, his agency sponsored KBSA baseball teams, affectionately known as “The Plows,” a nickname Jeff coined after the business’s distinctive logo.

After selling the business to his eldest son, Jeff and his wife Shirley enjoyed traveling the country in their camper, even becoming winter residents in Florida. Jeff also found joy in collecting — from sports memorabilia and toy tractors to pedal tractors and classic cars. He cherished the friendships he made while participating in car shows around the region.

Jeff will be remembered as someone who “never met a stranger,” whose “big heart and welcoming smile” left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. Friends often said, “I thought the world of him,” and “he touched my life more than he knew.” Jeff’s life was a testament to connection, service, and joy in the simple things.

Jeff is survived by his loving wife, Shirley; his three sons: Jared (Caroline) Brawner of Leawood, Kansas; Jacob (Shelby) Brawner of Denison, Iowa; and Joe (Tera) Brawner of Denison, Iowa; and seven cherished grandchildren: Emmie, Sully, Rylan, Mary Claire, Korie, Patrick, and Reese.

He is also survived by his brother, Kevin (Paula) Brawner of Kirksville, Missouri; sister-in-law, Ellen Brawner of Troy, Illinois; mother, Donna Brawner of Kirksville, Missouri; and seven nieces and nephews.

Jeff was preceded in death by his father, James G. Brawner; sister, Vickie Ann Brawner; and brother, James Steven Brawner.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday, November 7th at Travis-Noe Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 8th at Travis-Noe Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Maple Hills Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Dennis Brawner, Devid Brawner, Kevin Brawner, Matt Brawner, Chris Brawner, Scott Brawner, and Tom Brawner. Honorary pallbearers will be a lifetime of friends, customers, and members of the farming community who worked beside him, trusted him, and shared in his life work.

Jeff’s legacy will live on in the fields he walked, the people he touched, and the family he so dearly loved.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Special Olympics Missouri North Area - Kirksville, and may be left at or mailed to Travis Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.