Walter H. Brown, 99, formerly of Odon, IN, passed from this life Friday, January 29, 2016, at The Village of Oakridge in Daviess County. He was born in Knox County, IN, on June 17, 1916, to Hugh H. and Violet A. (Halley) Brown. On August 19, 1939, Walter was united in marriage with Martha J. McCallian.
Walter served our country in the U.S. Army during WWII. He received several distinguished awards including: two Bronze Stars, EAME Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal WWII, and he refused a Purple Heart Medal because he did not want to be separated from his division. Walter was also a Squadron Leader and a Sergeant with Company E 133rd Infantry Regiment 34th Red Bull Division. He later worked at NWSC Crane for 30 years, retiring in 1977, as a Supervisor. Walter was a 50 member of the Odon Moore Lodge #303 F & AM and a Past Master for two terms. He was also a member of Second Mt. Olive Church, Frank Roberts VFW and the American Legion. He liked softball and played in both the Crane and American Legion Softball Leagues. Walter was also involved in his community, serving on the Odon School Board and as a member of the North Daviess School Board.
Survivors include: a daughter, Mary Jean (Norman) Beasley of Shoals: grandchildren: Kelli Beasley of Montgomery and Kerri (Tony) Nonte of Indianapolis; great-grandchildren: Kainen (Brittany) Salmon of Montgomery and Haileigh Nonte of Indianapolis: great, great-grandchildren: Emma & Abigail Salmon of Montgomery; and several nieces and nephews.
Walter was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Agnes Craig, and 3 brothers: Sam, Hugh, and Tom Brown.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, February 3, 2016, at the Meng Family Funeral Home in Odon with Rev. Adam Cissell officiating. Walter will be laid to rest in Walnut Hill Cemetery in Odon, with Military Graveside Rites by the Odon VFW and the Odon American Legion.
Family and friends may call from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, until the time of service, on Wednesday, February 3, 2016, at the funeral home. A Masonic Memorial Service will be held at 1:30 PM, prior to the service.
The family has requested that contributions be made to a charitable organization of your choice in Walter’s name. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
All arrangements have been entrusted to James W. Meng, Jr. and the Meng Family Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.mengfuneralhome.com.