William E. Brown, 74 of rural Carman, Illinois died at 5:13 p.m. Sunday September 23, 2012 at his home. He was born September 21, 1938 in Lomax, Illinois, the son of George C. and Isabelle Vaughan Brown. On October 7, 1961, he married Dianne Fulkerson in Lomax.

Mr. Brown was a graduate of Dallas City High School. He had been employed for thirty years at J.I. Case Company in Burlington. He had served as President of the U.A.W. Local #807 in Burlington for several years. He was a 32nd degree Mason and was a member of the Oquawka Lodge #123 AF & AM, the Scottish Rite Consistory of Peoria, Illinois and the Mohammed Shrine, also of Peoria. He was Treasurer for the Henderson County Democratic Party and had served as precinct committeeman for Carman Township for several years. He was a member of the Lomax/Carman Senior Citizens, Burlington Eagles Lodge, Burlington Moose Lodge, and the Lomax Christian Church. He was an avid coin collector, and enjoyed golfing and woodworking. He also built a 1929 Mercedes Benz kit car. He enjoyed following racing, both at the NASCAR level and at 34 Raceway near West Burlington.

Survivors include his wife, his mother of Stronghurst, one daughter- Tina (Richard) Waterman of Stronghurst, one son - Sheldon (Jodi) Brown of Tulsa, Oklahoma, six grandchildren, two step grandchildren, four great grandchildren, one brother- R. Lynn (Margie) Brown of Moorehaven, Florida, nine nieces and one nephew. He was preceded in death by his father.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday September 28, 2012 in the Lomax Christian Church. Burial will be in the Carman Cemetery. Friends may call after 2:00 p.m. Thursday at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst, where Masonic Rites will be held at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, followed by visitation with the family until 8:30 p.m. Memorials have been established for the Lomax Christian Church and the Lomax/Carman Senior Citizens. Condolences may be left at www.banksandbeals.com.