Photo courtesy of Adams Funeral Chapel - Charleston
Dec 2, 1924 - Jan 30, 2018
I will always remember Charlie, brilliant man with personality-plus. I still wish to phone, to share a catch-up chat, and a laugh. If planes can fly around in Heaven, for sure Charlie pilots one. :-)
Mary Schulz
January 25, 2024 | Burlington, WI | Friend
It's been one year. His birthday will always come to mind on every December 2nd. I miss our phone conversations, the source of our connect the past 20 years or so. Can still "hear" his voice in my head. So thankful for that part of the memory that recalls voice....any time we call upon it!
MaryEllen Schulz
January 26, 2022 | Burlington, WI | Friend
I loved Charlie Brown. He was friend, father figure advisor, part-comedian! :-) We had some pretty deep conversations, I miss that! He was up to date on about every topic, & had the energy of a teenager. One of a kind!
Mary Ellen Schulz
January 28, 2020 | Burlington
I'm so very sorry for your loss Norma. Charlie was an amazing man, and it was a joy having you two as neighbors. He will be dearly missed.
Jake And Casey Ricketts
February 24, 2018 | Decatur, IL
Norma, My deepest sympathy to you and family. You are in my prayers. I am thinking of you. I am heartbroken and I want to talk to you. Please call me at 262-492-4973.
Love forever and ever, Mary Ellen
February 22, 2018
Norma, My condolences to you and your family. Charlie was a long time friend of my father, Hal Voigt. His kindness and friendship to all who knew him will be dearly missed.
Janet (Voigt) Vonlanken
February 03, 2018 | Mattoon, IL
May the "God of all Comfort" be with you during this time... 1 Cor 1: 3,4
February 02, 2018
May the "God of all Comfort" be with you during this time... 1 Cor 1: 3,4
February 02, 2018
Maxine & Floyd (Les), My deepest sympathy to you and your family on the passing of your dear brother Charlie. What fond memories I have of Charlie at our Minnesota Family Reunions. He will be missed. Your Minnesota cousin - Joyce
Joyce Wallace
February 01, 2018 | Easton, PA
DECATUR, IL – Charlie Lamar Brown received his first set of wings from the Navy during World War II and was blessed with his second set from Jesus on Tuesday, January 30, 2018. Charlie Brown, the original, was born December 2, 1924 in Hillsboro, Illinois to the late Fred M. and Margaret (McFarlane) Brown and was the third of four children. Charlie resided in Charleston during his early years and graduated from Eastern Illinois State Teachers College High School in 1942. Charlie served with the U.S. Navy on active duty for four years during WWII flying PB-Y’s and continued to serve in the reserves for another fifteen years. Following his active duty service Charlie attended Eastern Illinois University graduating in 1949 with a B.S. in Mathematics and a minor in German. Charlie was employed 34 years in the industrial sales division of Standard Oil of Indiana, later known as BP Petroleum, and was one of 400 chosen to attend engineering school.
He met Norma C. Myers and they married December 19, 1951 in Atlanta, Georgia and have been blessed with 66 years of marriage. Together they had one son, Charles F. Brown who preceded them in death. In addition to Norma, Charlie is survived by a grandson, Matthew Brown and wife Kim and great-grandson James Brown, all of Oakley, Illinois; his sister, Maxine Fitzjarrald of Arthur, Illinois; his brother, Floyd L. Brown (Evelyn) of Terre Haute, Indiana; along with several nieces and nephews. He was also preceded by a brother, Leroy Browne and a brother-in-law, Wilbur Fitzjarrald.
Charlie has been an active member at Central Christian Church in Decatur for more than 46 years and served his church family as President of the Congregation and was an Elder and Elder Emeritus. He held membership in Kappa Sigma Kappa, Kappa Mu Epsilon and Kappa Delta Pi fraternities. He was also a member of Charleston Masonic Lodge #35 A.F. & A.M. and both the Charleston and Mattoon Elks Clubs. He served as President of the Decatur Stanlional Credit Union and was a radio commentator for WSOY Spectrum radio program for more than 20 years. His love for flying elevated him to the rank of Major for the Civil Air Patrol and he also served as a flight instructor for the WINGS program. He built his own airplane, loved to fly gliders, and received numerous awards for his speaking ability.
A small visitation and a celebration of his life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at Central Christian Church in Decatur, Illinois with Reverend Don Martin officiating. A graveside service and inurnment will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday at Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston with Masonic Services provided by members and guests of Charleston Masonic Lodge #35 A.F. & A.M. and Military Services to be conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard. Memorial donations in his honor may be made to the Decatur Central Christian Church and may be mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920.
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