John William Brown 99 of Richmond died September 14, 2013 in Galena, Illinois. He was born September 1, 1914 in Richmond to Albert and Julia Marrinan Brown and lived in Richmond most of his life .

John was a retired insurance agent and an Army veteran of World War II. He served on the City of Richmond Common Council from 1969 -73. He was a member of the board of Richmond Power and Light, Reid Hospital, and Adult Day Care of Richmond.

He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, where he was a server and lector,song leader, member of the choir and Holy Name Society. He was such a integral part of the parish, he had his own key to the church. Not known for being a rebel, he nonetheless had his own version of the" Lord's Prayer", which confused everyone when he led the Rosary. He was a longtime volunteer at Circle "U" and Meals on Wheels. He was on a Meals 0n Wheels team until he was 95, when he reluctantly traded in his car keys for a "walker".

He formerly owned the Oak Tree Furniture Store in Centerville. He loved to play golf, read and work crossword puzzles. He also loved to travel the highways of America and could tell you about the routes of every trip he took.The trips were documented with home movies which he would show with little persuasion.

He was a wonderful father, grandfather, and great grandfather, as well as a devoted son and a great friend to many. Being born in 1914, before his family owned a radio, his agile mind embraced email, and cell phones. He knew his grandparents who were born in the 1850s, had great grandchildren born in the 21st century. His legendary storytelling spanned all the generations.

John was known for his sense of humor. He always had a joke ready. He was a featured speaker at the St. Mary's Anniversary Celebration in 2009.

Survivors include two children Michael J. (Regina Hyatt) Brown and Kathleen (Dennis) Leonard of Galena, Illinois, grandchildren Alex (Amy) Brown, Andrew (Lauri) Leonard, Elizabeth (William) Kaage, Matthew (Theresa Corrao) Leonard. Great grandchildren Alaina and Nathan Brown, Kieran, Elizabeth, Sophia and Sean Leonard, Payton and Kathryn Kaage, Charles and Olivia Leonard, and a special cousin Robert Sharp of St. Charles, Illinois. He is preceded in death by his wife Kathryn who he married May 17, 1941, and a grandson Gregory Brown.

Liturgy of Christian Burial will be 10:00 A.M. Saturday October 19, 2013 at St. Mary's Church with Rev. Kevin Morris officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. Friends may call 4-7 P.M. Friday October 18, 2013 at Stegall-Berheide-Orr Funeral Home. Come with a joke and a smile. John would want it that way.This is a celebration of a long, well lived life.

Memorial contributions may be given to a favorite charity, Meals on Wheels 1200 Reid Pkwy. Richmond, IN 47374, Circle "U" 19 N. 13th St. Richmond, IN 47374, or the Adult Day Care of Richmond at 2727 E. Main St. Richmond, IN 47374. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.stegallberheideorr.com.

Special thanks to the nurses and caregivers of Reid ANC, especially Barbara Back and Sylvia Floyd. Independent living is a precious gift that they made possible for over 3 years.