Thomas Joseph Brown, formerly of Du Quoin
Thomas Joseph Brown, 81, passed away at 8:15 a.m., Feb. 18, 2018 at his home.
Tom was born in Old Du Quoin on June 13, 1936, the son of Thomas E. and Agnes L. (Flauaus) Brown.
On December 30, 1956 he married Jane A. Cheek; she preceded him in death on June 3, 2015.
After their marriage, Tom and Jane moved to Chicago, then to the suburb of Lombard, where they lived for approximately 13 years.
Due to Tom's change in profession in 1971, the family made the move to Vandalia. Other than raising four children with his wife, Tom was a master sergeant for the Illinois State Police for 27-plus years, retiring in 1995.
While employed by the State of Illinois, Tom was also a D.A.R.E coordinator, even traveling to the Philippines in order to inform others and expand the organization.
After retirement, Tom became a bus driver for Vandalia Community Schools for nearly 20 years.
Tom was an avid golfer and enjoyed being a clock keeper for Vandalia Community Schools' sporting events for 37 years.
He was a member of the Mason's Temperance Lodge No. 16, AINAD Shriners, Vandalia Country Club, and the Fraternal Order of Police – Illinois Troopers Lodge No. 41.
He is survived by his daughters Krystal and husband Greg Hohlt of Vandalia; Stacy and husband Tim McMillan of Vandalia, and Micki and husband Scott Durbin of Vandalia.
Additional survivors include son Tom Brown and wife Paige of Waterloo, sister Leona Bullock of Du Quoin; grandchildren Kristoffer Taylor and wife Michelle, Brett Taylor and wife Mindy, Brianne and husband Jason Garner, Erin and husband Steve Sash, Caitlin and husband Adam Reinhold, Marion Brown and wife Brandy, Terre Brown, Devin Durbin, Mike Durbin, Chris Durbin and wife Amanda, Madison Brown, Nathan Brown, and Luke Hohlt and wife Megan; great-grandchildren Zoe, Ally, Natalie, Kynley, Sylas, Mabry, Ava, Kinsley, Caroline, Dakira, Sloan, Zach, Justin, Zane, Bentley, and Briar; nephew, Mark Bullock and wife Jean of DuQuoin; and niece, Debbie and husband Dwayne Burns of Du Quoin.
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.
Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 23, 2018 at Unity Baptist Church, Hwy 185 Location, Vandalia with Rev. Robert Weaver officiating.
Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Feb. 23, 2018 at Unity Baptist Church, Hwy 185 Location, Vandalia.
At the request of Tom and his family, his body will be cremated after services. Memorials may be made to the Vandalia Sports Boosters or the Fayette County Cancer Fund.
Hohlt & File Funeral Home of Vandalia is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.hohltandfilefh.com.