Benjamin Cratus Brown

Benjamin Cratus Brown, 73, of Belleville, IL, formerly of Bloomington, died June 28, 2026, in St. Louis, MO. He was born May 26, 1953, in Topeka, KS.

He is survived by his wife Deborah Brown (nee Summitt); daughters Carrie (Brian) Johnson, Katie (Guy) Mehochko; grandchildren Olivia, Benjamin, James, Michael, and Joseph Johnson, Lorali, Jack, and Henry Mehochko; brother Anthony (Pamela) Brown; sister Juli (Jack) Windsor; mother-in-law Barbara Summitt; brothers-in-law Perry (Heidi) Summitt and Gary (Tammy) Summitt; sister-in-law Cathy (Brian) Wilson and Dana Summitt-Bristoe; and step father Barrie Rassi.

He is preceded in death by his father Ben Brown; mother Judy Rassi; father-in-law Jimmie Summitt; and brother-in-law Michael Summitt.

Benjamin is a United States Air Force Veteran and retired from Scott Air Force Base in 2023. He also worked at Ranken Technical College as an HVAC instructor. Benjamin was a Christian who loved the lord and his family. He enjoyed playing guitar, fishing, and spending time with his family. He always took time to notice the small things in life, especially in nature. Benjamin had a beautiful voice and was a gifted musician. He had a gift for loving others deeply, and that love was returned by all who knew him.

Visitation:
9 AM to 10 AM Thursday, July 2, 2026 at Quernheim Funeral Home in Waterloo, IL

Funeral Service:
10 AM Thursday, July 2, 2026 at Quernheim Funeral Home in Waterloo, IL
Interment will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO