Leroy Jasper Browning

Leroy Jasper Browning, 72, a resident of McLeansboro, IL passed away Saturday, November 28, 2020 at Hamilton Memorial Hospital in McLeansboro.

He was born August 2, 1948 in McLeansboro to Charles H. Browning and Mildred M. (Bishop) Browning.  On September 26, 1970 he married Melissa (Decker) Browning, they were married for 42 years.

Leroy was a retired tire builder at Continental Tire in Mt. Vernon, IL where he worked for over 20 years.  He served on the McLeansboro Fire Department from 1970-2020 and was Fire Chief from 2003-2020. He was a member of the American Legion Post 106 for 30 years, and served as Commander from 2005-2020.  He was also a member of the McLeansboro Church of Christ.

Leroy served his country in the US Army and fought in the Vietnam War in the 1st Infantry Division.  His military honors include: two Purple Hearts, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, 2 Sharpshooter medals, Combat Infantryman Badge, and 2 Overseas Bars.  He participated in the Funeral Honor Guard and felt it was his duty to honor his fellow “brothers” at the end of their lives.  Leroy loved his community, and it was not uncommon for him to be called away from a family dinner to go fight a fire or help in some other way whenever he was needed.

He loved his family and helping others.  He was a great provider to his family and has always been a hero to his children and grandchildren.

Leroy is survived by 2 sons: David Jason Browning & wife Barbara of Pontiac, IL and Daniel Joshua Browning of McLeansboro, 1 daughter Amy Nipper of McLeansboro, 5 grandchildren:  Robert Browning and partner Mark Elias Hieb of St. Louis, MO; Dylan Browning and fiancé Lisa Martin of McLeansboro, Hayley Browning of Pontiac, IL; Billy Prince of McLeansboro and Graycee Prince of Bluford, IL; 5 great grandchildren: Adrianna, Aden, Alessia, Axel, and Aalyiah, 1 brother Charles “Chuck” Browning & wife Debbie of Collinsville, IL; a step-sister Andrea Hays & husband David of Norris City, IL; and nieces & nephews: Ryan, Angela, Lori, Jennifer, Bethany, Christina, Dewana, Erin, Savannah, and Amber.

Funeral services for Leroy Jasper Browning will be held at 1 pm on Thursday, December 3, 2020 at the McLeansboro Church of Christ in McLeansboro with Minister Fred Leeds officiating.  Visitation will be held Thursday from 11 am until the time of service at 1 pm.  Interment will be at the McLeansboro I.O.O.F. Cemetery with full military rites by the American Legion Post 106 of McLeansboro and the Army National Guard Honor Guard of Marion, IL.  Young Funeral Home of Wayne City, IL has been entrusted with providing funeral arrangements.

Please observe all safety precautions when attending the services. The wearing of masks will be required.

Online condolences may be made at www.youngfuneralhomellc.com

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