Ernest Brown, 83, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 8:32 am September 21, 2024, at his residence. He was born August 18, 1941, in Mount Vernon, Illinois to the late Loyd G. and Alice E. (Gray) Brown. Ernest married Pat (Blagg) Brown on May 9, 1959, in Mount Vernon, Illinois.
In addition to his beloved wife of sixty-five years, Ernest is survived by his son, Jim Brown and wife, Teresa of Mount Vernon; daughter, Cindy Isaac and husband, Rob of Mount Vernon; granddaughters, Bria Sims, Kelsey Beal and husband, Jeff, Blythe Lee Brown and husband, Lucas, Bethaney Brown and fiancé, Joshua, Megan Morris and husband, Jace; great-grandchildren, Ava Beal, Keira Beal, Allie Sims, Kinley Sims, Jorja Morris, and June Morris; brothers, Reverend Jerry Brown and wife, Sharon of Mount Vernon and Jim Brown and wife, Beverly of Rock Hall, Maryland; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Ernest was preceded in death by his sisters, Alice Sue Mason and Anita June Brown, and brothers, Tommy Leon Brown and Rodney Brent Brown.
Mr. Brown proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He started at the Mount Vernon Fire Department in 1975. After twenty-two years of service, he retired as Captain in 1997. Ernest was a member of East Salem Baptist Church, Mount Vernon VFW, American Legion, AMVETS, and Association Fire Fighters of Illinois. He served many roles in the Union, finally serving as AFFI Trustee earning Emeritus status in 2008. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
A Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 24, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Newell Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Graveside Service will be held Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 11:00 am at East Salem Cemetery in Mount Vernon, Illinois with Reverend Randy Hayes and Reverend Bill Degenhart officiating. Interment will follow. Memorials may be made in Ernest’s honor to East Salem Cemetery.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
