Rex Brown, age 85, of Mattoon passed away at 7:50 a.m. on April 15, 2017 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center.

Funeral services honoring his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at Broadway Christian Church 1205 S. 9th Street in Mattoon with Pastor Kevin Wolfe officiating. Burial with Military Rites will follow at Dodge Grove Cemetery. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at Broadway Christian Church. Schilling Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Rex was born on July 7, 1931 in Lerna, IL the son of Perry and Eva (Zike) Brown. He married the love of his life Virginia Ellen Farris on February 26, 1956.

Survivors include his loving wife of over 61 years Virginia Brown of Mattoon, IL; daughters, Shawn Marie (Bill) Ames of Mattoon, IL, Dawn Renee (Tom) Harlin of Mattoon, IL; grandchildren, Jamie (Travis) Whitaker of Mattoon, IL, Olen Rex Ames of Mattoon, IL, Alisha Ellen Harlin of Mattoon, IL, Alexander “Bubba” Duane Whitaker of Mattoon, IL; twin brother, Max (Wanda) Brown of Lerna, IL; brother, Robert “Bobby” (Marilyn) Brown of Oakdale, CA; and sister, Janet “Judy” Shutts of Mattoon, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and one sister.

Rex was a member of The United States Army 1st Calvary and served honorably during the Korean War and later was proud to walk in parades side by side with his daughter Shawn who also served in the military. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion, the Forty and Eight veterans organization, and Mattoon Masonic Lodge #260. Rex was also an active member of Broadway Christian Church and the Democratic Party Precinct Committee. He worked for Young’s Radiator Company until the plant closed down. Rex later worked for the City of Mattoon as well as Walmart, Fred Biggs Electric Supply, and Schilling Funeral Home in more recent years. He also spent time with Virginia building churches in Mexico. Rex was also a member of the Sarah Bush Lincoln Volunteer Guild and enjoyed his time helping others there. Rex loved his family and his grandchildren immensely. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all who knew him.
(Schilling Funeral Home - Mattoon Apr/2017)
∼CPL US ARMY

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