Harold J. ''Brownie'' Brown

Harold J. "Brownie" Brown, 90, of Springfield, died on Saturday, September 19, 2009 at the Illinois Veteran's Home in Quincy. Harold was born June 7, 1919 in rural Farmersville, the son of Ralph and Mary Millburg Brown. He married Wilma Wight on July 31, 1945 in Tooele, UT. She preceded him in death in 2005. Harold attended St. Isadore High School in Farmersville for two years and graduated from Farming Community High School in 1936 before going on to serve his country in the Army from 1941-1945. Harold moved to Detroit, MI and had various jobs. Harold moved back to Springfield and worked at Robert Brothers Clothing Store downtown from 1945 1955. He went to work for MONY Insurance Company as an insurance agent in 1955, retiring in 1985. He was a life member of Sertoma International, DAV, and Aqua Sports Club. Harold was a member of Blessed Sacrament Parish for 61 years. He enjoyed fishing for walleye and musky, hunting for quail and pheasant, and went every year to Minnesota to indulge in both. Harold was also preceded in death by his son, Gregory Brown; his parents, brother, Edward J. "Jerry" Brown; sister, Shirley Hobson; and daughter-in-law, Cathy Brown. He is survived by his children, Dr. Duane Brown of Loami, Gail (husband, Dale) Lenertz of Mankato, MN, Alan Brown of Springfield, Dr. Richard (wife, Valerie) Brown of Springfield, Bruce (wife, Teresa) Brown of Arlington, TX, and Kelly (husband, Troy) Lake of Liberty Township, OH; seventeen grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; his siblings, Rosemary Martin and Glenn (wife, Ella Maria) Brown, both of Farmersville. Family will receive friends from 4:00 - 7:00 pm on Monday, September 21, 2009 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 pm. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1725 S. Walnut, Springfield with Rev. David Hoefler, celebrant. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1725 S. Walnut, Springfield, IL 62704.