John Raymond "Snake" Berning

John Raymond “Snake” Berning, 64, of Centralia passed away Friday, January 11, 2013. He was born May 24, 1948, in Centralia, son of John William Berning Jr. and Irene Amellia Evelyn (Backs) Berning. He married Nancy Jones on May 12, 2012, in Centralia, and she survives. “Snake” is also survived by a step-mother: Brenda Berning of Centralia; three daughters: Brandi Stout and husband Warren of Tunnel Hill, Tiffany Holloman and husband Blaine of Vienna and Larissa Ignacio and husband Michael of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; a step-son: Michael Knutt of Centralia; two step-daughters: Ashley Vaughn and Megan Jones both of Centralia; four grandchildren: Cassidy Stout and Adrian Stout both of Tunnel Hill, and Shaela Holloman and Cayden Holloman both of Vienna, five step-grandchildren: Katie Matson and Evan Matson both of Centralia, and Blake Knutt, Paige Knutt and Nathan Knutt all of Centralia; seven brothers: Mike Berning and wife Tammy of Centralia, Jerry Berning and wife Patti of Walnut Hill, Johnny Berning and wife Jennifer of Walnut Hill, Darren Thompson and wife Kat of Centralia, Dewey Thompson and wife Beverley of Centralia, Kevin Berning and wife Trishena of Patoka and Vince Berning and wife Billie Jo of Indiana; six sisters: Linda McCarty and husband Jake of Kinmundy, Dee Corrie and husband Randy of Cambria, Vicki Groff and husband Richie of Centralia, Tina Kelso and husband Kevin of Sandoval, Sherry Bryan and husband Tommy of Walnut Hill and Debbie George of Centralia; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Clifford Thompson; and a cousin, Ray Deadmond. “Snake” was a member of ABATE and Freedom Riders. He served in the Army during the Vietnam War. He also was a member of the VFW. Most of all he enjoyed riding his Motorcycle and spending time with family and friends. Funeral services for John Raymond “Snake” Berning will be held Thursday, January 17, 2013 at 1 p.m. at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia with Pastor Steve Upchurch officiating. Burial will follow at East Lawn Cemetery in Salem with Military Rites accorded at the grave by the VFW Post 2055 and the American Legion Post 446. Friends may call Wednesday evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia. Memorial Donations may be made to the family and will be accepted at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com.

John Raymond "Snake" Berning

May 24, 1948 - January 11, 2013