William Brown, 96
Born: Dec. 27, 1915
Died: May 7, 2012

William B. “Bud” Brown, 96, of Sassafras Lane in Niles, died at 8:15 a.m. Monday, May 7, 2012, at his home following an extended illness.

He was born Dec. 27, 1915, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, to Henry A. and Mary (Campbell) Brown. He lived in Niles most of his life and graduated from Niles High School. He was employed by the former New York Central Railroad, and for many years by Clark Equipment Co., from which he retired.

Bud was a World War II veteran, having served in the U.S. Army in Patton’s Third Army. He enjoyed golfing, woodworking and gardening. he was an artist and winemaker and member of the Southwestern Michigan College Monday Night Running Club and First Presbyterian Church.

On March 30, 1944, in Durham, N.C., he married the former Marguerite M. O’Brien, with whom he celebrated the 68th wedding anniversary.

Bud is survived by his wife, “Marg” Brown, and their children, James H. Brown and Deborah A. Campbell, both of Niles; their grandson, Ronald W. (Yana) Brown; and great-granddaughters, Ava and Vivian.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by three brothers.

Services for Bud Brown will be at 6 p.m. Friday, May 11, at Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles, with the Rev. Thomas Janssen of First Church of Prayer in South Bend officiating.

The service will conclude with the veteran’s flag presentation and taps by the U.S. Army Honor Guard.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the funeral home from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday.

Contributions in memory of Bud may be made to Hospice at Home, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085.