Chester A. Brown's Obituary
Decatur-Chester A. Brown, 84, of Carterville, formerly of Decatur, passed away Sunday, September 16, 2012 in Herrin Hospital.
Funeral liturgy to celebrate Chester's life will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 21, 2012 at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, September 20, 2012 at the funeral home. Burial with military honors and 'flight home' ceremony will be in Graceland Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Research Children's Hospital.
Chester was born August 15, 1928 in Illiopolis the son of George and Elizabeth (Hutchinson) Brown. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1945-1971during W.W. II, Korea, and Vietnam. He was involved in the restoration of a sailboat that sailed from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, to the Panama Canal Zone. After retiring from the Navy he and his brother Dave become insurance agents in Decatur with Miller's Mutual of Alton. He was a member of the American Legion in Carterville. Chester enjoyed bowling, golf, hunting, and travelling. He especially enjoyed going on cruises. He married Betty Armstrong September 18, 1949 in Taylorville. She preceded him in death April 19, 2006.
He leaves behind his son Gary Brown and wife Brenda of Dalton City, brother Dale Brown and wife Mary of Decatur, grandchildren Katrina White, Sandra Brown, and Jamie Brown, great-grandson Mark Reed, and significant other Peggy McBee of Herrin.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one sister, and brothers Fred, Lawrence, Dave, and Cliff Brown.
Chester was a great father and grandfather that will be deeply missed by all.
The family of Chester A. Brown is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home honored provider of Veterans Funeral Care, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL. View the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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