Vernal BrownVernal Brown
Vernal C. Brown, 90, of Macomb, formerly of Vermont, died at 8:30 p.m. Aug. 11, 2010, at Wesley Village in Macomb.
He was born Aug. 4, 1920, in Vermont, a son of Clayton L. and Mary Ellen Lawver Brown. He married Mildred M. Miller on April 27, 1943, in Dallas, Texas. She survives.
Also surviving are one son, Reginald (and Eloise) Brown of Bloomington; one daughter, Joyce Brown of San Antonio, Texas; one brother, Robert Brown of Summerland Key, Fla.; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by one brother, Vorice Brown.
He was a United States Navy veteran, serving from 1941 to 1945 as a Parachute Rigger, 1st Class. After serving four years in the Navy, he returned to the family farm to begin a career in agriculture and farmed his entire life.
He was a member of Vermont Christian Church where he served as president of the Church Board for many years. He also served as an Elder for a number of years and taught Sunday school.
He was a member of Carrol Rankin American Legion Post #26 in Vermont for 65 years; president of McDonough County Farm Bureau for two years; Board of Directors for Illinois Agricultural Association for 15 years; director of IAA Trust group of Investment Companies for 29 years; and chairman of Financial Committee and chairman of Legislative Committee.
Services were held Thursday at his church with Dave Vandeman officiating. Burial was in Vermont Cemetery with military rites provided by Carrol Rankin American Legion Post #26 of Vermont. Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to his church.