John Thurman Brown

John Thurman Brown, 86, of Carterville, went to meet his maker on Friday, November 28, 2025.

Memorial services will be held at 12:00 noon, Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at the First Baptist Church in Carterville, with Revs. Ryan Tackett and Dwayne Sheumaker officiating. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon, prior to the service. Military honors will be conducted by the Army Honors Ritual Team, Carterville American Legion Post, and Herrin VFW and American Legion Post. 

Memorial contributions can be made to the Youth Group at First Baptist Church.

John was born on May 26, 1939, in West Frankfort, to John Roy and Veneda (Berdebt) Brown. He married the love of his life, Frances Kay Hogan, on May 16, 1964, in Herrin.

He graduated from West Frankfort Community High School in 1957 and later attended SIUC for two and a half years. John worked as a construction estimator for several area contractors and engineering firms, a dedicated career that spanned 45 years.

John was of the Baptist faith and a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Carterville, where he taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and served faithfully as a deacon, including time as chairman of the Deacons.

He honorably served his country in the United States Army as a Specialist 4th Class with the 67th Artillery, 1st Missile Battalion, stationed in Germany from 1959–1960.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Kay Brown; son, Kevin Brown; daughter, Kimberly (Don) St. Peters; grandchildren, Dalton (Abby Frankel) Brown, Dustin Brown, Aidan Swallers, and Payton Swallers; and sister, Judy Field.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

John enjoyed watching his grandsons play sports, spending time working around the house and yard, and taking rides on his John Deere.

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