Willis Reed Brown, 99, of Burlington, formerly of Middletown, died at 8:43 a.m. Saturday, August 6, 2022, at the OakView Nursing Home and Rehabilitation in Burlington.
Born July 8, 1923, in Des Moines County, Iowa, he was the son of Robert Reed and Wilma M. Mohnike Brown. On November 16, 1947, he married Beverly J. Gladman in Grace Methodist Church, Burlington.
He was a 1942 graduate of Burlington High School.
He was a U.S. Navy Veteran, serving during World War II from February 24, 1944, until May 4, 1946.
Willis had worked as a setup man at Champion Spark Plug for over 28 years and retired in 1985.
He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, fishing, playing cards, and cutting wood. He loved helping his family and friends whenever they needed him. He was a dedicated husband and father.
Survivors include wife, Beverly J. Brown of Middletown; one son, Tim (Sue) Brown of Cedar Rapids, Ia.; one daughter, Cheryl (Dennis) Clawson of Burlington; seven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Todd Brown; one sister, Evelyn Laue; one grandson, Dawson Brown; and one nephew, Bob Laue.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home.
The memorial service for Willis will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 10, at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home. The Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard will render full military honors. A time of food and fellowship will be held in the community room at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home following the service. Burial will be in South Walker Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for Southeast Iowa Hospice and the Wounded Warriors Project.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.