John C. Brown

John C. Brown, 76, of Metamora, IL was called home by his Lord Jesus on Sunday, August 21, 2016 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. John was born on February 13, 1940 in Quincy, IL to Baker C. and Martha E. (Smith) Brown. He married Janet L. Tjaden on April 8, 1967 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Benson, IL. Surviving are his wife Janet and his 97 year old mother of Barry, IL. He was preceded in death by his son John Timothy Brown, father Baker Brown, grandparents Carson and Edna (Baker) Brown and Everett and Grace (Blacketter) Smith, and step-father Huch Williams. John graduated high school in 1958 where he was a starter for the basketball team and played drums in the marching band. John graduated from Western Illinois University with a bachelor's degree in education where he was a member of Kappa Sigma Kappa. John was a hard worker and started mowing lawns at age 12 and worked as a farm hand at age 14. After his college graduation he came to Peoria to work for R.G. Letourneau which is now known as Komatsu. He retired from Komatsu with 40 years, working in both the manufacturing and engineering divisions. A man of many talents and interests, John was an avid woodsman, hunter, gunsmith, ironmonger, wood and leather worker. He designed and built their home outside of Metamora. For relaxation he also played the piano. John was a member of Faith Church in Washington, IL where he was a greeter. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 26, 2016 at 11:00 am at Mason Funeral Home Metamora Chapel, 219 East Partridge Street, Metamora with Pastor Steve Graffis officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery, Benson, IL. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Faith Church Mission Fund, Snyder Village Nursing Home, or St. Peter Lutheran Church, Benson. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.