Marvin Jennis Brown, 90, of Collinsville, Ill., passed away July 28, 2014, at Relais Bonne Eau in Edwardsville, Illinois. Born in Collinsville to parents Marvin F. and Lena, nee Vironda, Brown on Jan. 5, 1924, Marvin came to be known simply as "Brownie" a nickname given to him as a boy.

Brownie was a senior at Collinsville High School when he was drafted and served in the Armies 44th division, 63rd Engineers during W.W. II from Feb., 1943 to July, 1944. Brownie was awarded a number of medals for his efforts during the war, but he was most proud of the Bronze Star for Bravery. After an honorable discharge from the Army in 1944, Brownie ran a service station on Sumner Blvd. in Collinsville for 13 years and volunteered with the fire department for 4 years before becoming a full time firefighter. He served with the Collinsville Fire Department for 23 years, 15 years as Captain, retiring from the department in 1980. Brownie was also a lifelong member of the American Legion Post 365.

On Aug. 30, 1965, Brownie married Robye Ray, nee Henson, Wood and after his retirement the couple traveled the U.S., visiting and camping in 49 states; a shared dislike for air travel prevented them from making it to Hawaii. Brownie and Robye were married nearly 42 years when she preceded him in death on June 13, 2006. The union brought Brownie into a new, ready-made family with children and grandchildren who lovingly gave him the new and all-important title "Gramps". Before he went home to be with the Lord, Gramps expressed his wish to make known to all, the deep love he felt for his family and his thankfulness for the blessing of sharing his life with them. Gramps will always be in our hearts, lovingly remembered and deeply missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

Marvin "Brownie" "Gramps" Brown is survived by a stepdaughter, Norma Maxine, nee Wood, (George) Opolka; three grandchildren, Debra Opolka, Karen, nee Opolka, (Eric) Hassenplug, and Gary (Sonja) Opolka; and seven great grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Relais Bonne Eau Hospice Home or Collinsville Fire Department.

Condolences can be expressed to the family online at: www.herrfuneral.com.

Visitation: Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 30, 2014, at Herr Funeral Home, Collinsville, Ill.

Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 31, 2014, at Meadow Heights Baptist Church, Collinsville, Ill. Burial will be at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, Ill.