Mr. Brown was an engineer and retired from McDonnell Douglas / Boeing. He was a United States Air Force veteran. Ray enjoyed many years of traveling with his wife of 72 years, Rose Marie, farming, golf, and reading many pages of western novels, but mostly spending time with his family and friends.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, George Ross and Sarah, nee Patterson, Brown; a grandson, Maxwell Brown; a brother, George R. Brown; and a sister, Mary Siebert.
He is survived by his wife, Rose Marie, nee Siebert, Brown, whom he married on July 2, 1949; a daughter, Lisa E. (Joseph) Melton of Belleville, IL; a son, Gordon S. (Jennaver) Brown of Belleville, IL; five grandchildren, Keri (Damien) Edgington, Kristina Melton, Morgan Brown, Marley Brown, and Mason Brown; five great-grandchildren; and a sister, Donna M. Arney of Fairview Heights, IL.
Memorials may be made to Union United Methodist Church, Belleville, IL. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Funeral: Private family services will be held with Rev. Ed Weston officiating.
Burial with military honors will be at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.