Warren B. Browning

CENTRALIA — Warren B. Browning, 86 of Centralia died Friday, Jan. 17, 2014 at Green Tree in Mt. Vernon. Warren was born July 20, 1927 in Lowery City, Missouri, son of Dr. Warren C. Browning and Esther (Birch) Browning. He married Mary Wendt on June 17, 1950 in Mitchell, S.D., and she preceded him in death on Dec. 2, 2006. Warren is survived by three sons: David Browning of Centralia, Phillip Browning and wife Jean of San Bernardino, California and Paul Browning of Centralia; one daughter, Susan Eades of Eldorado, Illinois; eight grandchildren: Brian, Eric, Kristin, Sara, Josh, Taylor, Jon and Will; seven great-grandchildren; two nephews and a niece. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and a sister, Karen Moriarity.Mr. Browning served in the U.S. Army during WWII. After WWII he received his bachelor and master’s degrees in public administration from Kansas University. He was a City Manager for many years serving in Drumright, Okla., Pittsburg, Kan., Champaign, Brownsville, Texas, Lombard, Flagstaff, Ariz. and in Centralia for eight years. He was the Mayor of Centralia from 1993 – 1997 and was a Councilman for Centralia. He was the Past President of the Illinois City Managers Association, a member of the Illinois State Police Training Board, Illinois Law Enforcement Commission, the Past President of the Centralia Rotary Club, a member of the Champaign Rotary Club and a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Centralia. He enjoyed trout fishing in Branson, Mo., was a big supporter of Kansas University Football and Basketball, and most of all he loved spending time with his family and friends. Per Mr. Browning’s wishes, he will be cremated and a Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Centralia with Father Gene Tucker officiating. Entombment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com

Warren B. Browning

July 20, 1927 - January 17, 2014