Marion 'Ray' Brown

Marion Ray Brown, 84, of Danville, passed away at 9: 50 p.m. Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at Pleasant Meadows Christian Village in Chrisman. Ray was born on November 21, 1924 in Ridgefarm, Illinois, the son of Clyde W. and Blanche Marie (Pearman) Brown. He first married Jackee Witsman. She preceded him in death in 1965. He later married Georgianne C. Zillman on June 26, 1967 in Covington, Indiana. She survives. He is also survived by his three sons-James (Kay) Brown of Hoopeston, Randy (Nancy) Brown of Danville and Chris (Jenna) Brown of Danville; two daughters- Sharon Hayes and Mitzi Brown both of Danville; one step-son- John Harris of Shelbyville, Illinois; three step-daughters- Jeanine (Mark) Gruetze of Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, Carol Harris of Danville and Beth (George) Creek of St. Joseph, Illinois; two brothers- Leon (Bonnie) Brown of Danville and Donald (Adie) Brown of Terre Haute, Indiana; two sisters- Virginia (George) Davis of Cayuga, Indiana and Mary (Brad) Wickens of Covington, Indiana; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers- William and Leo Brown. Ray was a graduate of Cayuga High School. After high school he enlisted in the United States Navy and served from 1943 to 1947. He worked at C & EI, Lauhoff Grain and Borden Milk. He was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed watching the Chicago Cubs, Indiana Basketball and watching NASCAR. He enjoyed traveling, coin collecting and playing cards especially 31 and euchre. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. A Celebration of the Life of Marion Ray Brown at 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 16, 2009 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, with Pastor Miles Clark officiating. Entombment will follow the service in Sunset Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Military rites will be conducted by American Legion Post #210. Memorials may be made to Pleasant Meadows Christian Village. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at: www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.