Johnny Leroy Brown, 99, of Carmi, passed away on Tuesday, January 31, 2023. He was born on March 17, 1923, in Centerville, Illinois, the son of Clarence and Mary Ethel (Cox) Brown. Leroy married Verla Maxine Kiefer on December 26, 1942. and she preceded him in death on March 14, 2022. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, and was stationed in the Philippines during World War II. Leroy was a life long grain and livestock farmer. He was a member of the VFW, Square Dance Club, and White County Farm Bureau. Leroy was involved in Burnt Prairie Politics where he served as a Precinct Committeeman, and was a cemetery trustee. Leroy is survived by his children, Johnny Max (Charlotte) Brown of Palmyra, IN, William “Bill” Brown of Carmi, IL, Chris (Sheri) Brown of Carmi, IL, and Judy (Ron) Coston of Carmi, IL; 15 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Verla Brown, Leroy is preceded in death by his parents; a son, Jimmy Brown; one grandchild; and siblings, Archie, Robert, Charles, and Clarence Brown, and Mae Burrows, Lucille Newcomb, Louise Klefer and Melba Brown. Funeral Services for Leroy Brown will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 5, 2023, at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi. Burial with full military rites by the Carmi VFW and American Legion, will be at Centerville Cemetery in Carmi. Family and friends may visit from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Leroy’s memory to Burn Prairie Township Cemetery, and will be accepted at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi, who is in charge of arrangements.
