Jewel Brown, 86, of Bourbonnais, IL and Ft. Myers, FL, passed away in his Bourbonnais home on Friday (February 1). He was born February 27, 1932, in Champaign, IL, the son of Lewis and Eva Gertrude Brown. He was one of 14 children, cultivating in him a great devotion to family. He married his wife, Jacqueline Brown, on August 9, 1953, in Rantoul, IL, and she survives.

Following graduation from Paxton High School Jewel enlisted in the US Navy, serving during the Korean War. He later built a career in the food industry, first employed by IGA wholesaler in Chicago. In 1964 he moved his family to Manteno, where he and his wife established Manteno Foods, Inc. They were in business for more than 40 years. During that time Jewel developed a passion and side career in harness horse racing, educating himself and performing every task as breeder, trainer, and driver.

He regularly attended Manteno United Methodist Church, was a member of the Manteno Rotary Club, the US Trotter’s Association, VFW, and was a 32nd Degree Mason. An avid golfer (with two holes in one) and world-wide traveler, he enjoyed seeing what he referred to as “so many beautiful places.”

In addition to his wife he is survived by three children, Cindi (Dennis) Reddish, of Ft. Myers, FL, Cathie (Mike) Williams, of North Judson, IN, and Michael (Amanda Cirks) Brown, of Oak Forest, nine grandchildren and their spouses: David Reddish, Natalie Williams (Phil) Wiseman, Mark (Sonya) Reddish, Nicolas (Katie) Williams, Alex (Lauren) Williams, Logan Brown, Matthew Brown, Erin Williams, Julie Brown (Larry) Arquilla, and great-grandchildren Adrianne Williams, Bella Wiseman, Aunaleigh Williams, Vienna Wiseman, Tristan Williams, Addilyn Williams, Rowan Wiseman, and Elizabeth Reddish. He was also anxiously awaiting the June birth of baby boy Arquilla. His remaining siblings include Beverly Brown, Lewis (Corinne) Brown, Jr., and Patsy (Roy) Elliott. He had no greater love in life than his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents and many siblings, and one daughter, Julie Michelle.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the noon funeral service on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home in Manteno. Rev. Joy Schlesselman will officiate the service.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Kankakee Valley or the Manteno United Methodist Church.