Vernon B. Brown, 82, Vale, died Saturday, August 4, 2012, at the VA Black Hills Health Care Center at Fort Meade.

Vern was born January 13, 1930, at Hot Springs, AR, to William and Myrtle (Goodman) Brown. Vern joined the United States Marine Corps on September 11, 1947, and served in the Army of Occupation in Japan. During his career in the Marines, he served in Korea, Vietnam and the Phillipines. Following his retirement he worked in the computer field in California until 1974.

He was married to Freida Beatrice Lanphear. The family retired to South Dakota and lived in Alaska before moving back to South Dakota in 1979.

Vern enjoyed calling square dancing and teaching dance for many years.

He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was also a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Newell.

Following the death of his first wife, he married Gladys Weyrich Cox in Newell on September 13, 1997. They resided in Vale.

Survivors include his wife, Gladys Cox Brown, Vale; one daughter, Quincy (Marlon) Perry, Lake Forest, CA; sisters, Betty Ennis, Lewisville, TX, LaVern Coleman, Texarkana, AR, and Athlea Renmiger, Hot Springs, AR; stepsons, Darrel (Nancy) Cox, Vale, and Douglas (Reva) Cox, Vale; stepdaughter, Donna (Lloyd) Trautman, Pottsboro, TX; 11 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Freida, and two sisters.

A rosary and Christian prayer service will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, August 9, at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newell.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Friday, August 10, at St. Mary's with Fr. Tyler Dennis and Fr. Arnold Kari. Burial with military honors will be at 2:30 p.m. Friday at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

A memorial has been established to the Elevator Fund at St. Mary's in Newell.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.