Mack Kenneth Brown

Mack Kenneth Brown, age 86 of Savanna, Illinois, died on Monday, November 19, 2018 at Big Meadows Nursing Home, Savanna. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 26, 2018 at Law-Jones Funeral Home, Savanna. A gathering will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will take place in the Rock Island National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Mack’s memory.

Mack was born on July 5, 1932, the son of William Kenneth and Genevieve Rose (McKenna) Brown in Savanna, Illinois. Shortly after he was born, Mack’s mother died. Mack was raised by his father, William, and Leona Rose (Bronkant). He first attended St. John Catholic School and later attended Savanna High School and graduated with the Class of 1950. After graduation, Mack enlisted in the United States Navy. He proudly served from 1951-1955 and later served in the United States Navy Reserve from 1964-1980. While serving his country, Mack served aboard the USS Snowden and the USS Markab.

Mack was married to Phyllis A. Janssen on October 17, 1953 in the United Church of Christ in Freeport. Phyllis died on July 17, 1996. Mack later married Marcella “Sally” Curley on January 24, 1998 in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Savanna. Mack was a Machinist for the Milwaukee Railroad in Savanna, retiring in 1992. He loved traveling and had visited 47 states, mostly by bus. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing locally and fishing trips to Spooner, Wisconsin. Mack enjoyed spending time at home watching college sports and reading books. Most of all, Mack cherished spending time with his family and friends.

Mack will be dearly missed by his wife, Sally of Savanna; two sons, William K. “Bill” (Cindy) Brown of Weatherford, Texas and Leo (Keri) Brown of Savanna; five grandchildren, Heather (Scott) Watson, Morgan (Eric) Huggins, Courtney (Will) Poarch, Bailey Rose Brown and Philip Brown; six great-grandchildren, Lincoln W., Emma H., Joclyn W., Elliott H., Sadie P. and Eli H.; one brother, Loren (Rita) Brown of Blue Hill, Maine; one sister in-law, Marlys Dreier of Mt. Carroll; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Phyllis; and one son, Philip Brown.