Robert Brown

McCLURE, Ill. -- Robert Dale Brown, 71, of McClure died Saturday, Aug. 24, 2013, at his home.

He was born March 21, 1942, in McClure, to Samuel Donner and Henrietta Kipp Brown. He and Betty Kiehne were married Sept. 1, 1963.

Dale was a 1960 graduate of Shawnee High School. He worked out of Teamsters Local 574 with Inman Freight Line, and also was a farmer in McClure. He was a former board member of the McClure-East Cape Fire Department, the McClure-East Cape Public Water District, the Lindsey Cemetery Association and Shawnee FFA Alumni Chapter.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Betty J. Brown of McClure; two sons, Stephen (Renee) Brown of McClure and Dennis (Julia) Brown of Hammond, Nova Scotia, Canada; a daughter, Paula (Brad) Beal of Jackson; two brothers, Sam (special friend Debbie Helman) Brown of Dongola, Ill., and Jim (Dianne) Brown of Belle Chasse, La.; three grandchildren, Tayler and Zach Beal and Reagan Brown; several nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel in Cape Girardeau.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Donny Ford officiating. Burial will be in Lindsey Cemetery at McClure.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Lindsey Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 159, McClure, IL 62957 or Saxony Lutheran High School, 2004 Saxony Drive, Jackson, MO 63755.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.