Frank B. "Duke" Brown

Frank B. “Duke” Brown, of Mascoutah, IL, surrendered his battle with Alzheimer’s disease Thursday, Mar. 10, 2011 at the Grange Nursing Home in Mascoutah, IL where he had resided since 2005.


He was born Aug. 22, 1925 in Lone Rock, WI to Ben and Addie Brown. A veteran of WW II, Korean War and Vietnam War, he served in both the U. S. Navy and the U. S. Air Force retiring in 1969 after 20 combined years.


An avid fisherman and hunter, he enjoyed card playing and was an active member of the American Legion Post 292 in Mascoutah, and the Mascoutah VFW Post 7682, having served as its Commander. He was also a member of the Shiloh Methodist Church.


Besides his parents he was preceded in death by one brother and four sisters.


He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Verna H., nee Taylor, Brown whom he married in Jerseyville, IL on Mar. 1, 1952; two sons, Robert (Alice) Vroman of Alton, IL, Benjamin “Ben” (Kathleen “Kathy”) Brown of Shiloh, IL; four grandchildren, Trisha Rives, Michael Vroman, Kaitlin and Alexis Brown; four great-grandchildren, Tyler, Hannah, Kelly and Griffin; and numerous nieces and nephews.


In lieu of all other gifts memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Assn., Grange Nursing Home, or Mascoutah Senior Service Program.


Visitation: A “Celebration of Life” in his honor will be held from 2 to 4 PM Sunday, Mar. 20, 2011 at the Mascoutah Senior Center, Mascoutah, IL. A private burial will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.