Dale Brown

Dale Dean Brown, 76, of Danville passed away after a short illness on Saturday, June 30, 2007, surrounded by family at his home. Dale was born on March 2, 1931, in Danville, the son of Perry Oliver and Lucile (Bird) Brown. He married Bette Ann Hill in April of 1952 at Central Christian Church in Danville. She survives. He is also survived by his son, Daniel (Nancy) Brown of Danville; daughter Bridget of Oak Park, Illinois; brother Perry (Linda) Brown of Batavia, Ohio; sister Pat (Forrest) Furman of Westville, Illinois; four grandchildren, Justin and Lindsey Brown of Danville and Jordan and Sean Craig of Oak Park; son-in-law, Steven Craig of Oak Park; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Dale was a life-long Danville resident, graduating from Danville High School in 1948. He joined the Navy in 1950 and served in Korea, returning to Danville in 1954.He worked in the plumbing and heating business, serving as the manager for the former Inland Supply before opening and serving as a partner in the business known as Ideal Supply Company. When it came time to retire, Dale opened Ideal Plumbing and Heating and applied his life long knowledge to the construction community. Although he officially retired several years ago, he continued to keep his tools and equipment available to help neighbors, friends and relatives with their home improvement projects. He was a member of several local organizations, including the American Business Club, past president; American Legion Post #210; Elks Lodge #332, past exalted ruler; 50-year member of the Masonic organization, Olive Branch #38, Scottish Rite, Ansar Shrine, and past president of Eastern Illinois Shrine; and a life member and volunteer of the Vermilion County War Museum. While recognized for his talents and commitment to his family, friends and community, Dale will best be remembered for his kindness to others. There were few strangers in Dale's life and anyone he met left the introduction knowing of his gentle pleasant manner. He made the simplest conversation enjoyable and will be sadly missed by those who knew him. A Celebration of the Life of Dale Dean Brown will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 4, 2007 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, with Pastor Dave Garver officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 " 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Entombment will be at Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Vermilion County War Museum, Carle Hospice Service or American Cancer Society. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at: www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.