Donald H. Brian's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Donald Hugh Brian, age 90 of Charleston, and formerly of Lawrenceville, Illinois, entered his Heavenly Home on Thursday, December 6, 2018 while in the comfort of his home. A private family visitation was held on Sunday, December 9, 2018 at Adams Funeral Chapel and Military Rites were conducted by the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 and the Charleston American Legion Post 93 combined Honor Guard. His cremated body will be laid to rest at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska at a later date. Memorial donations in his honor may be made to the American Cancer Society or American Heart Association and mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.Don was born May 10, 1928 in Lawrence County, Illinois, a son of the late Walter Embrose and Margaret Emma (Benson) Brian. He married Joan Stevenson in 1948 and she preceded him in death in August of 1974. During their 26 years of marriage, as foster parents, they opened their hearts and their home to many children. He later married Linda (Gallagher) Herrick on October 23, 1982 and she survives. Also surviving are his children, Thomas Brian and Scott Brian and his special friend Robin Hobler, all of Greenup, Illinois and Susan McDonald and her husband Butch of Montrose, Illinois; six grandchildren, April, Jessica, Mandi, Deena, Jason and Austin; seven great-grandchildren; Linda's son, Scott Herrick and his wife Leslie of Terre Haute, Indiana and their children, Andrew and Lynsey. Don was also preceded in death by a grandson, Tommy; and two sisters, Wanda Marmaduke and Mary Lou Meek.Don was a graduate of Lawrenceville High School and honorably served his country with the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. He served on the Executive Council with the Boy Scouts of America when in Wyoming and was employed with Sherwin Williams as a sales rep and retiring in 1986 as manager of their Mattoon location. Don was a member of First Christian Church in Charleston and the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 previously serving as Chaplain of their Honor Guard. He was also once a member of the North Platte, Nebraska Lions Club.Don loved the outdoors and activities such as hunting, fishing and camping. He was also quite skilled in the art of woodworking. He possessed an outgoing personality and never met a stranger. Don will be remembered as a good and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.Military ServicesMilitary Services were conducted at 1:45 p.m. on Sunday, December 9, 2018 at Adams Funeral Chapel by the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 and Charleston American Legion Post 93 combined honor guard. Participants were: Phil Kerz, Detail Commander; Dale Downs, Chaplain; John Gelb and Mike Zimmerle, Color Guard; Darrell Nees, Color Bearer; Dale Downs and Phil Kerz, Flag Detail; Hatty Hughes, Bugler; and Mike Simard, Paul Buerster, Gary Grounds, Bill Reed, Mark Beabout, Dave Finley and Eugene Winnett, Riflemen.
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