UNION, Mich. -- Kirby Clell Brown, 80, of Sunset Blvd., Union, died at 8:42 p.m. Wednesday (Oct. 8, 2008) at Three Rivers Hospital.

He was born March 26, 1928 in Constantine to Boyd C. and Margaret E. (Jarvis) Brown.

He is survived by his former spouse and mother of his children, Dae Brown of Mottville; two sons, Josh Brown of Union, and Kirby Brown Jr. of Shipshewana, Ind.; two daughters, Stephanie (Richard) Cherry of St. Augustine, Fla., and Kirbette Brown of Virginia; and two sisters, Vera Brown of Bristol, Ind., and Velda McFall of Elkhart, Ind.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Birdie, Violes and Fremont Brown; and one sister, Thelma Miller.

Friends may call one hour prior to a memorial service. The service will be at the Bristol American Post 143, 905 Maple St., on Thursday at noon. The Rev. Dale Turner will officiate. Cremation will follow services with burial to take place in Oakridge Cemetery in Bristol at a later date. Military honors will be conducted by Elkhart DAV Chapter 19 and the U.S. Army Funeral Honor Guard at the time of the burial.

Mr. Brown was a lifelong worker in the RV industry in the Michiana area for over 20 years, retiring in the early 1990s. He was also an accomplished woodworker and spent much time in the shop he had at his home. He was a member of Bristol American Legion 43, Dunlap VFW Post 985 and DAV 19. He was an avid outdoorsman and liked fishing, hunting and camping as well as playing guitar. He was considered a father and mentor to many, including his children and nephews, and always stressed the virtues of honor, respect and being a gentleman. He served in the U.S. Army and Merchant marines during World War II and the Korean War.

Memorials may be given to the Kirby C. Brown Memorial Fund, c/o Billings Funeral Home.