Gerald Brown

Gerald Brown, 67, of Moline, IL, died Friday, December 29, 2017, at his home. Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of his life will be held Wednesday, January 3rd, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., at Wendt Funeral Home in Moline. Services will be held Thursday, January 4th, at 10:00 a.m., at the funeral home. Inurnment will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Moline. Memorials may be made to the family for a fund to be established at a later date. Gerald was born November 13, 1950, in Champaign, IL, son of Estel and Dorcas (Davis) Brown. The family lived in Gibson City, IL, until 1966, and then moved to Moline. Jerry graduated from Moline High School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1969 until 1970, and then earned an Associate’s Degree on the G.I. Bill from Black Hawk College. On September 19, 1992, he married the love of his life, Lori Bowling, and became the best Dad for their children, Mark and Tara. Jerry was a hard worker, starting as a young boy in Gibson City, working for farmers. He retired from Case-IH East Moline in 2003, where he was a production welder. He then worked for John Deere Planter Works as a welder until 2010. He was a skilled fisherman and hunter, as well as a talented singer and guitar player. He performed in many groups through a 40-year span, and composed and performed East Moline Blues, a viral YouTube video. He had many friends, and you could usually find him at the Hard Times Bar in Moline during the afternoon. He was a member of American Legion Post 246. Survivors include his son, Mark (Tiffany) Willard of Moline; daughter, Tara Willard of Moline; brother, Randy (Debbie) Brown of Port Byron, IL; sister Debbie (Mark) Rodgers of Harlingen, TX; Sister-in Law, Barb Brown of Bellflower, IL; granddaughters, Madison and Mya Willard of Moline; and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and countless friends. In addition to his wife, Lori, he was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Dick, and his sisters, Jacqui and Cindy.

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