Olen Eugene "Gene" Brown, 81, of Capron, passed away at 2:35 P.M. on Wednesday, August 20, 2008, in Wesley Willows surrounded by his family. He was born April 3, 1927, in Prichett, CO, the son of Richard and Juanita (Bridwell) Brown. Gene married Lorraine Carney of Pana, IL, on August 21, 1950. He was a Navy veteran of WW II, former principal of Capron Grade School, charter member of both the Capron Lions Club and the Capron Rescue Squad, and was named Illinois Hereford Association's Man of the Year.Survivors include his wife Lorraine; children Cheryl Brown, KC (Mark) Spring, and Jeff Brown; grandchildren Allison, Emma, and Jacob Spring; brothers and sisters Douglas Brown, Melvin L. (Patricia) Brown, Vonnie Balka, Darrell (Anita) Brown, Darlene Henkis, Velma (Frank) Crawford, Janice Apple, and Beverly (Gary) Farthing; and many nieces and nephews. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, 3 sisters and 1 brother.

Memorials may be made to the Capron Lions Club, Capron Rescue Squad, or Wesley Willows.