Brown is Lions’ Halloween Parade grand marshal

By Editor | October 17, 2018 |

The Vandalia man who has been a member of the Vandalia Lions Club for more than 55 years and has served in all but one of the club offices is this year’s grand marshal for the Lions’ 75th annual Halloween Parade next Thursday night.

A Lion for 55 years, Bill Brown served as the club treasurer for almost 25 years. He was the club president in 1970-71, and has served in every club office except secretary.
“Bill has served in various positions and has been an outstanding member of the club, so we felt it was time to honor him by choosing him as the grand marshal for the parade,” Lion Jim Staff said.
He joined the club when approached by Harry Truitt, who became his sponsor for membership.
“I had seen everything they had been in the community, and a couple of guys had been on me (about joining) for some time,” Brown said about his decision to join the Lions.
Initially, Brown helped Ed Mills on the night of the Halloween Parade in getting the buses used by school bands lined up in the parking lot. After Mills left the club, Brown took over that job.
About his longtime membership in the club, Brown said, “I have enjoyed it tremendously.”
Brown’s family moved to Vandalia in 1931. His father had the telephone exchange in Shobonier and also worked for the sheriff’s office.
Brown worked at Blankenship Auto Parts in Vandalia for 32 years.
“I retired on a Friday, and on Friday night, Tom File called me to ask about working for him,” Brown said.
That phone call led to a 28-year stint with Hohlt and File Funeral Home.
Brown and his wife, Shirley, have been married for 70 years. They are the parents of three daughters – Brenda Jo Smith, Kim Bone and Sheila Gay Harre.
Bill and Shirley Brown will ride in a convertible in leading what Staff called “probably the biggest and nicest parade in Southern Illinois.”
The parade, as is tradition, starts at 7 p.m. atop the Gallatin Street hill at Seventh Street and travels east to Fourth Street.
Popular participants in the Lions’ parade are the bands from high schools from throughout the region. This year, Staff said, 11 bands are coming for the parade.