Burle E. Brown

Burle E. Brown, age 91, of Loraine passed away on February 28th, 2025. He was born on September 24, 1933, in Beverly, Illinois to his parents Willis and Lena Brown. Burle is survived by his wife Beverly (Wiedmyer) Brown whom he married July 14th, 1957, making them 67 years together. 

Burle attended Liberty High School before serving in the Army from August 4th, 1953, to May 21st, 1955. During his time he visited and served in Germany and the Netherlands before being honorably discharged. Burle spent plenty of time working on farms in his early life. After returning home from the military Burle worked at Gardner Denver in Quincy for several years as a crane operator. He then went on to work at what he would say was his most meaningful profession- a bus driver for the community. Burle was very proud of his time spent at Community Unit School District #4 and always made it a point to see that the kids were taken care of. He served as a bus driver for 43 years, as well as a custodian for 33.

 Burle also greatly cared for his community, as he was elected Fire Chief of Loraine for 28 years. In his spare time, he greatly enjoyed being the Loraine Horseshoe President and setting up tournaments. For several years he organized the annual Horseshoe Competitions at Loraine Park to celebrate the Loraine Fall Festival. Burle also loved animals- especially his dogs. He spent several years raising pups and often enjoyed taking camping trips to compete in fox and coyote hunting. As for another one of his favorite pastimes, Burle loved to be a prankster- as his coworkers likely know. He strongly believed in good-hearted fun to make others laugh whenever he could. After retiring he loved to work around the homeplace. Whether it was farm work or carpentry that he learned working for his father-in-law Oscar (Shug) he greatly enjoyed sharing his time and wisdom teaching his children and grandchildren. When he wasn't outside, he enjoyed watching his westerns, quoting them often. He worshiped his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and was a devout Christian. Burle always saw that those close to him were taken care of, by providing for his family, raising children as his own, or helping others when in need.

 Burle is survived by his wife, Beverly, his son Larry G. Brown (Susan), daughter/great-granddaughter McCartney M. Lewis, sister Darlene Bose, six grandchildren, Melinda Brown, Chase Brown, Lainey Jurgesmeyer (Andrew), Shelby DeJaynes (Nathan), Logan Davis, Allen Presser (Denise), and eight great-grandchildren McCartney Lewis, Charley Jurgesmeyer, Abigail Browning (Taylor),Jacob Presser (Kallie), Wesson and Coltson DeJanyes, and Nora and Bennett Browning. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

 He was preceded in death by his daughter Lori L. Lewis, grandson Lonnie R. Lewis, brothers Everett, Donald (Don), Merle, and Charles, as well as his parents.

A Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 noon on Thursday, March 6, 2025, in the Triplett Funeral Home in Mendon, IL. Pastor Ron Tallcott to officiate. Interment will immediately follow in the New Loraine Cemetery located in Loraine, IL.  Military Honors will be conducted by the United States Army Funeral Honor Detail and the Bear Creek American Legion Post #823. 

A Visitation will be held on Thursday morning from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at noon in the Triplett Funeral Home in Mendon, IL.

Memorial contributions in memory of Burle are suggested to the Loraine Fire Department.