Mark Douglas Brown, 63, died at his home surrounded by his wife and daughters in the early morning of Friday April 27, 2012 following a three month battle with pancreatic cancer. Mark is the beloved husband of 35 years of Kathryn (Obert) Brown, wonderful father of Elisabeth (Adam) Byrd, Emily (Brandon) Vercruysse and Melissa (Haden) Gragson; loving grandfather of Charlie, Oliver and Harry Vercruysse and Ella Kate and Henry Byrd; dear brother of Marsha (Vito) Kerpe, Danny (Cheryl) Brown and Corinne (Andy) Day; and son of the late Ernest Brown and Ella Corinne Brown.
Mark was born in Paxton, IL on March 29, 1949. He spent his childhood and attended schools in Gibson City, IL. He was a graduate of Illinois State University and the University of Mississippi School of Law.
Following law school and marriage, Mark and Kathy lived in Jackson, MS where their daughters Elisabeth and Emily were born; they remain close to several dear friends they made there. In order to be closer to family, they moved to Gibson City, IL where their youngest daughter Melissa was born. They subsequently moved to Bloomington where they have lived for the last 26 years. Mark worked as an attorney for State Farm Insurance Company. He was an active member, Sunday school teacher and elder at Second Presbyterian Church, an officer in the McLean County Republican Party, and has served in various other community organizations. He was also an avid “Ole Miss” sports fan. Most importantly, though, he was a bold and faithful servant of Jesus Christ.
His funeral services will be held at Second Presbyterian Church on Sunday, April 29, 2012 at 5:00 pm. There will be a private family burial on the following day.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Home Sweet Home Mission, 2nd Presbyterian Church Missions, or The Mark D. Brown Ole Miss Scholarship Fund.
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