Charles Browning (In Memory of Our Founder)

Charles Herbert Browning was a great man.  He had that special charisma and that wonderful, unforgettable smile that lit up the room. Known as the friendly undertaker, he was the eternal optimist and the forever politician.  Charlie was a friend to all men no matter what their walk of life.   As he journeyed through this life he spoke to everyone and put everyone’s name to memory.    When he walked through the Merry Go Round or Helen’s Restaurant he met everyone from the patrons to the waitresses to the busboys.   He loved it; people were his element, his forte, his habit and his haven.  Give Charlie a room full of people and it was like a chocolate sundae—the best.   His rounds always included everyone.  When you went to the West Side Fall Festival or a Summer Social with Charlie he was always talking, meeting the people.  He didn’t come for the chicken he came for the company.  He never tired of the people, as he would sit to eat or take a drink, a napkin would come out of his pocket and down would go the lists of peoples names to commit to memory.  Humble and not boastful, Charlie never steered the talk towards himself.  He was always directed towards the other person—letting others shine.  His message throughout his life was to make this world a better place, use every precious moment given to you, and use your talents to the utmost.  Devoted to his work, his country and his city, Charlie’s generosity toward mankind knew no boundaries.  He gave all he could give and asked nothing in return. 

Born in Evansville, Indiana, the son of Charles Hiram and Mayme (Sullivan) Browning, Charlie had one older brother, Bill and three younger sisters, Patricia, Kathleen and Barbara.  The Browning’s moved when Charlie was one year old to 1665 Lincoln Avenue where they lived until the senior Browning’s died.  Charlie’s mom was of Irish decent and raised her children with a carefree attitude.  The Browning home was filled with laughter and great times. This was a great house that Hiram built and the children had wonderful times growing up there.  The Browning family lived there, but, so too, did the extended family including---Mom Sullivan, Mayme’s mother and her father Grandpa Sullivan, Mayme’s two sisters, Kathryn and Frances.  Eventually Hiram’s sister, Mary came to live with the Browning’s also, it was truly a storybook house.  As Charlie grew up he attended St. Benedict’s Grade School where he served as an altar boy.  He carried a daily paper route in his neighborhood for three years.   At summer camp in Tennessee he excelled in tennis.  His Boy Scout Troop played a major role in Charlie’s life while growing up.    Charlie worked at Brown’s the corner drug store as a carhop and soda jerk.   During his high school years Charlie worked for his father in the Acme Cigar Store.  His father worked long days and Charlie learned the hard work ethic from his dad.  After graduating from Reitz Memorial High School in 1941, he enrolled at St. Joseph College in Renssalear, Indiana.  World War II began during Charlie’s freshman year, and he joined the Navy under the V-12 Naval Program.  He was then assigned to attend John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio.  After completing this program he was sent to Camp McDonough in Plattsburg, New York where he was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy.  Going aboard the LST 628 was a memorable day for Charlie. He would spend 3 years at sea.  A Commendation Medal inscribed “for risking your life to save another,” was awarded to Charlie while he was aboard the LST.      When the war ended and victory was declared, Charlie’s high school sweetheart, Dolores DeWitt, was there to meet him when he came home.   This young happy couple married in August of 1946 and moved to Cleveland Ohio where Charlie enrolled in Mortuary School.  They lived in Cleveland for one year and following his graduation they returned to Evansville, Indiana, which would be home to them for the rest of their days.  The Browning’s celebrated as they welcomed their four children, Charleen, Mark, Rebecca and Jeannie into the family fold.  During his life, Charlie always had a lot of “kid” in him.  He loved his children and he knew how to play at their level. When Charlie walked in the door the games began.  His pockets always had a little frog, a little turtle or a Pay Day candy bar.  Then it was acrobats and exercise, followed by some unbelievable stories. His original memory games were hilarious and challenged his children to compete and learn.  The Browning household featured constant activity, neighborhood fiascoes and an open-door policy for a good time. Traveling all over the country for vacations and water skiing at Kentucky Lake, were the highlights of their summer days. These times were such fun and truly unforgettable.   After gaining five years of experience in the funeral industry, Charlie ventured into the funeral business on his own.  In 1954 Charlie and Dee opened Browning Funeral Home on the north side of our city.  This was a very bold and risky adventure.  With prayers and luck somehow their venture became successful.  Behind the scenes, one could find hours of duty at 24/7, devotion, tenacity and hard work.  Early in his career, Charlie began keeping   obituaries records alphabetized on 3 by five index cards.  As time passed his records expanded to include all the obituaries that were listed in the Evansville Newspapers.  His huge undertaking grew and expanded even more until Charlie had ventured back with his records until 1906.   His records and study grew along with the funeral home business.  In the early 80’s his youngest daughter, Jeannie became a funeral director and joined Charlie.  The family was surprised but no one was more surprised than Charlie.  He knew how hard the business was and especially for a woman.  Jeannie measured up; she became Charlie’s helpmate and brought new ideas and a fresh sparkle to the Funeral Home.  Charlie was proud of all his children and their accomplishments—Charleen became a nurse, Mark became a physician and entered the Navy, following in Charlie’s footsteps, and Becky became a nurse.  Charlie always said my kids are successful because of their mother.  He gave all the credit to Dee.  His example and hard work ethic encouraged his children toward higher goals.  When Dr. Mark moved back to Evansville, Charlie enjoyed having his only son, and dear friend back.  They enjoyed special times going to church and coffee together.  Mark and Jeannie engineered and made it possible to put Charlie’s life work on the Internet through the Evansville Public Library Database.  The Genealogical website was born in 1997.  This website enabled everyone to search records on their own computers. The astronomical number of hits that the website receives stands as Charlie’s testimony, his legacy, his lifework—which of course is for the benefit of generations to come. 

The life of Charlie and Dee was constantly focused on the funeral home.  Their adventure had grown to be successful and they were grateful.  With Jeannie at the helm, at the funeral home, they began to enjoy more leisure time. They played bridge, struggled at the game of golf, belonged to Friday Nite Dance Club, Coterie Dance Club and enjoyed many dinners out at the local restaurants with friends.   After joining the Colton Travel Group, they visited many foreign countries and were excited about seeing the world.  Community activities kept them involved and constantly on the go.  It was their privilege to welcome eleven grandchildren and five great grandchildren into their ever-growing family fold.    

Recently Charlie’s health began to decline.  His humor and sweet nature stayed with him during his entire illness.  Dee was his constant and loving caregiver.  Charlie fought his battle with the same strength, courage and fortitude that he had shown throughout his lifetime.  He knew he was dying; he talked to his family and said good-bye. As he lived his life, he died with everlasting faith and dignity.   To the love of his life, Dee, his fondest farewell was given.  Charlie was bigger than life, he aspired to achieve his dreams, he accomplished monumental tasks, and he encouraged others to greater heights.    As his life had a message so, too, did his dying---his legacy of love for people, love for country and love for his family will live on.  We shall remember his smile, his handshake and his blue eyes, which saw the world so uniquely.   Charlie gave us more than we can ever imagine---his gifts will live on forever making our world a better place.


Jeannie Browning Hester
Funeral Director, CEO & Owner, Browning Funeral Home

Jeannie grew up in Evansville, Indiana and graduated from Memorial High School in 1976.  She continued her education at Indiana University and graduated with a Bachelors of Science Degree from the Kelley School of Business at I.U.  She later joined her father Charles in 1982 while attending Mid America College of Funeral Service.  After graduation in 1983 with an Associates degree in Mortuary Science Jeannie worked side by side with her father.  Together they inspired each other to serve the families of Evansville in a caring and compassionate manner.  This father daughter team was a one of kind in the funeral services profession. 

Jeannie married Don Hester in 1988.  They have three children; Jacob, Emilie and Jenifer.  Jeannie loves being a mom!!  Her son Jacob attends Central High School and is the quarterback of the freshman football team. She stays busy with his school activities.  Jeannie enjoys spending time with her family, photography, scrap booking, swimming, and her cats.  The Hester family attends Christian Fellowship Church.

Jeannie has been instrumental in creating the Browning Experience for the families served by Browning Funeral Home. Recently, since the death of our founder, Charles H. Browning, Jeannie has taken over as the leader of our team, guiding our way through the challenges to enable Browning Funeral Home to serve the needs of our community and the needs of each individual family we serve.  Jeannie is flexible and able to wear many hats—kind and gentle to those we serve, and a visionary, motivator and leader to those who work with us.  Jeannie is like the wind that guides us through the maze.  She is the soft breeze gently comforting those in need, she ruffles the staff to meet the deadlines and be ready for change with vision toward the future.  Her kind and giving nature comes from her heart as the warm wind blows; she creates an ambiance of warmth and love that surrounds the families served by Browning.  Jeannie softly leads the Browning Funeral Family business to new levels, seeking to be the best we can be, always placing the families first in our hearts, and constantly, striving for a more compassionate way to comfort those we serve. 

Jeannie’s goal is for every family served to be able to express their loved one’s Life Journey in a memorable way.  A funeral is not a day in a lifetime it is a lifetime in a day.

Dolores “Dee” Browning
Author, Storyteller:  “Journey through Life.”

Dolores Eileen (DeWitt) Browning is a unique and special lady.   Intelligent and creative, Dee has led an active life of service both to her family and to others. Passionate about her beliefs, she has always been a dominant and leading force, stating her case and speaking her mind. She could envision the future and paint the picture for everyone to see. She is a model of perfection in her looks and actions at the age of 85.   She was a woman born before the time of Women’s Lib, but she was liberated by her intelligence and her determination.  She has been a major asset and most avid fan of Browning Funeral Home.  Dee graduated from Memorial High Class of ’41 and attended Evansville College. She transferred to Purdue University where she received her B.S. degree in 1945. She worked at Florida State University until she wed her high school sweetheart, Charlie in August of 1946. Together, Charlie and Dee started Browning Funeral Home in 1954.  They were the proud parents of four children, Charleen, Mark, Rebecca and Jeannie.  In the 50’s, Dee stayed home to raise her children, volunteering at St. Mary’s Auxiliary where she held every board position including President of 10 southwestern Indiana Hospital Auxiliaries.  Active as both a leader and in the office of the Raintree Girl Scouts, Dee was Neighborhood Chairman of all the Girl Scout Troops in four area school.
As her children grew older, Dee took a more active role at Browning Funeral Home helping her husband and eventually her daughter Jeannie to run the family business.  Through her efforts a tribute biography program—the “Journey through Life” was started at Browning in 1990.  These biographies are a tribute and a salute to the person who has died and were written by Dee for many years.  Dee’s love for genealogy has been life long. Always interested in her family tree, she traced her roots back to the Revolutionary War. She became an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Working with the DAR, Dee directed the erection and dedication of 8 historical markers within the city of Evansville.  She encouraged Charlie in his pursuit of the Genealogical Website for the Funeral Home.  Often in the background, but a strong and vital force, Dee has been in on every change and each business decision at Browning Funeral Home. The business has been her passion for the past 50 years.  She was married to Charlie but they were both wed to Browning Funeral Home.  She was a woman with a mission. The driving force behind the lovely landscape, the gorgeous inside ambiance in the chapels, she was determined to make Browning Funeral Home the number one business within the city of Evansville.  She was the first author of the Journey through Life which she initiated and wrote for ten years.  Her constant attention to details and pursuit of excellence have been the “heart and mother” of our company.  Her ideals and values have been the pulse and the constant beat that created an aura of motherly love.  This love enveloped our funeral home and permeated out to all those in need of a hug or a kind word during their sorrow.

Charleen Browning Spear
Author, storyteller:  “Journey through Life.”

Charleen Browning Spear reentered the work force with her father, Mr. Charles Browning and her sister, Jeannie Browning Hester in the family business in 1998.  She graduated from I.U. School of Nursing with a B.S. degree in 1971, and worked in nursing in Indianapolis till her first child was born.  Married to her lifelong sweetheart, Dr. Ken Spear, together they returned to their roots, settling in Evansville, Indiana, which would be their home throughout their lifetimes.   Charleen stayed home raising her three daughters, Katrina, Sarah and Carrie.  These years were her favorite, being a mom was her passion, her love and the best moments within her life.  Charleen is a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Vanderburgh Medical Alliance, St. Mary’s Medical Center Auxiliary, PEO and the YWCA.  She is on the Board of the Catholic Education Foundation, helping to raise funds for scholarships to Catholic High Schools. She spends her time off with friends and traveling to see her children and five grandchildren in Indianapolis, Chicago and Maryland.  Since 1998 she focused her talents on Browning Funeral Home first serving as a Pre-planner, then writing the “Journeys through Life”  Folders since 2000.   Charleen pens the stories of the lives of the people who have passed away.  Each person has a story---a beginning and an end, each story is unique and tells the history and biography of that special person. When the story is written it is preserved forever in time.  With her passion for writing, Charleen bonds with the families that Browning serves, hearing their stories, laughing together and crying together—creating their biographies into a forever memorial.   With our unique, tribute folder, Charleen, and Browning Funeral Home preserves the Journey’s within “The Books of Life” for eternity.

Brian Jewell
Funeral Director and Manager of Browning Funeral Home

Brian Jewell has been a member of the Browning Funeral Home team since 1997.  Brian is a native of Henderson, Kentucky where he graduated from Henderson County High School in 1990.  He graduated from Mid-America College of Funeral Science in 1995.  Brian has a lovely wife, Tammy and two darling little daughters, Beth and Allie.  Brian is an active member of St. Theresa Catholic Church where he and his wife, Tammy will be Co-Chairmen of the Summer Social in 2009.  Brian also is a member of Fendrich’s Golf Club.  He enjoys spending time with his family and riding his motorcycle.  Brian is a manager at Browning Funeral Home.  Many visitors to Browning Funeral Home know how special Brian is, as part of the Browning team.  Brian is like the center of the wheel, the pivot around which the company spins.  Brian is capable of leadership and yet possesses a friendly, outgoing spirit. Brian’s personality allows him to rise to the challenge of managing, while maintaining a gentle, peaceful ambiance —creating an atmosphere of love and kindness for those who are saddened by a loss. 


Amity Cash
Funeral Director and Director of Funeral Service Operation

Amity has been working as a funeral director at Browning Funeral Home for the past seven years.  Amity spent her childhood years in Tell City where she graduated from Tell City High School in 1998.  She is the youngest daughter of Calvin and Betty Cash.  She has an older brother Calvin, who is married to Kelly.  Amity has two beautiful nieces, Kendall and Cadance.  Following high school, Amity continued her education at Vincennes University School of Mortuary Science where she graduated in 2001.  Amity has a busy career but during her time off she enjoys dancing and playing softball.  She loves her little dog, Kea.  Amity recently has been promoted to Director of Funeral Service Operations.  Amity assists our employees, helping them do their jobs efficiently and guiding them to serve each family in the best way possible.   Amity’s friendly, outgoing charm, and her “cheerleader spirit” are present daily at Browning Funeral Home.  Being enthusiastic and passionate, Amity envelops our families in gentle warmth, helping them during their time of need.

 

 

 

 

Greg Lutz
Funeral Director

 

 

 

Greg was born and raised in the neighboring town of Owensville, IN. – where he graduated from high school in 1966. Greg knew he wanted to be in the funeral business from the age of 16.  Growing up across the street from a funeral home – where he started out mowing the grass and going on ambulance calls. Following high school graduation, Greg enrolled in the Indiana College of Mortuary Science {Indianapolis, IN.} in the fall of 1966. While attending mortuary school, Greg worked evenings and weekends at a local mortuary. There he was able to get a realistic view of what the funeral business was really like. Greg graduated from the Indiana College of Mortuary Science in the fall of 1968.

By this time, the Vietnam Conflict had started and was intensifying. Greg was drafted in to the United States Air Force in the fall of 1968. Greg began his Tour of Duty in Cam Rahn Bay, Vietnam – where he began as a medic. His training at mortuary school served as an invaluable asset for his military position. Greg served in this as a medic in Vietnam for the next four years.  At the end of his Tour of Duty, Greg immediately went back into the funeral business.
Greg has one daughter who is married and is now living in Germany. He has two grandchildren.   During his free time, Greg enjoys landscaping his yard, spending time with his German Shepherd “Trooper”, and traveling to Europe to visit his family.

Greg has spent his lifetime in the funeral business—of which the last 8 years have been with Browning Funeral Home.  Greg takes great pride in creating a positive memory picture for all our families.  His attention to detail is second to none—he is our “Monet---our artist”   on staff.  We are proud to have Greg as a part of our team and his 40 years experience in the funeral service profession.  Greg brings a maturity, knowledge and expertise to Browning Funeral Home.  His long time experience in the funeral business adds to the benefit of the families that we serve.


David Bell
Funeral Director

Dave Bell joined the Browning Funeral Home staff in September of 2007.  Dave is a licensed funeral director with ten years of experience in funeral service.  He graduated from Vincennes University in 2001.  Dave is a member of Faith Church of the Nazarene where he serves on the board and participates in the music ministry. He enjoys reading, singing, running, and working out. Dave is also a car enthusiast.  He and his wife, Lenae, live in Evansville and have a daughter, Emma, a son, Carson.  Dave is the proud father of triplets born  in December 2009. Dave brings a special air of youth, professionalism and thoughtfulness which echoes from his personality and helps each of our families who we serve during their difficult time. 

 

 

Sandee Werner
Service Support

Sandee Werner moved to Evansville, Indiana in 1972 from LaVernia, Texas.  Sandee is the youngest daughter of Carl and Bobbie Werner.  She has an older sister, Jeanne, a brother Michael who is married to Deanne and a brother, Christopher.  Sandee has two darling nieces, Jessica and Carly Jo.  Graduating in 1983 from Central High School, Sandee is also a graduate of Rogers Hair Academy.  She is an active member of Good Shepherd Assembly of God Church.  Sandee has been employed at Browning Funeral Home since November of 2003.  Sandee’s presence here at Browning Funeral Home has been so special.  She never stops moving and can do the job of ten people with a smile and a nod.  Sandee brings out the best in the families we serve.  She touches people with her heart and with a generous spirit that is forever giving. Her love for her job and her love for the people she encounters is like the river that flows around our city, continuous and constantly flowing forever with life and love.

 

Gladys Goodson, Genealogy Staff

Gladys Goodson graduated from Johnston City, Illinois High School and Tri State Beauty College. She worked at Hoosier Cardinal until it closed. Gladys’s mother’s maiden name is Blythe and she comes from Kentucky.  Gladys collected dolls and trolls till she ran out of places to put them.  She enjoys doing any kind of craft. She’s a Southern Indiana Hoosier (a typical Tri-State resident); who has a sister and three children who all live here in Evansville.
Gladys has been an employee of Browning Funeral Home for nearly 50 years.  She was the first employee Mr. Browning hired.  She has typed most of the obituaries in the massive card file collection that is now on the www.browningpeople.com website.  Gladys was Mr. Browning’s “right hand person” helping in numerous ways throughout her 50 years, typing cards, answering the phone, greeting at the door, making the coffee—to just name a few.  Her tenacious work habits were a close second to Mr. Browning. Through the years she has helped to preserve our city’s history.  Gladys is like a rock---foundation of our business, through the ages, constant, steady, always there, dependable, and loyal. She brings her unique personality and knowledge of the “old ways”  to the Browning team helping to guide future generations.   



Kathy Boyd
Genealogy Manager

Kathy was born and raised in Negaunee, Michigan. She graduated from St. Paul’s High School. Moving to Evansville with husband, Jerry, after his discharge from the US Air Force, Kathy created a home in this river city forever more.  She and Jerry have one son, Marcus, who lives in Evansville.
Employed by AT&T, Kathy retired as General Manager after 34 years of service.

She is an active member of Nativity Catholic Church, where she is on the parish council and a member of the outreach committee. She has been Vice-President of the Evansville District Council of St. Vincent De Paul Society for the past 5 years.
Her hobbies are knitting and baking.

She joined the Browning Family Genealogy and Local History Foundation group in October of 2006.  With her organizational skills and her people skills, Kathy has helped to manage the workers that enter data into the website.  With her wonderful sense of humor, her curiosity about history and her pleasure in helping people, Kathy has been an asset to the team. She likes finding the leaves of family  and have enjoyed helping people find there family members and continue daily to add to the information available on the web.





Laura Bush, Aftercare Specialist

Laura joined the Browning Team in January 2007. Laura’s role is to educate families on the benefits available by preplanning funeral arrangements as well as provide continuing care and grief support to families following the loss of their loved one.

 

 

Laura was born & raised on a farm in Terre Haute, IN where she graduated from Terre Haute South Vigo High School.  While a student at THSV she was active in student government, a member of the National Honor Society, a Bravette with the South Vigo Braves Marching Band, and a Varsity Cheerleader.  Laura also was a member of the Vigo County 4-H Program for 10 years.Laura graduated from Purdue University.  While at Purdue, she was a member of the BoilerMaker Football & Basketball Pep-Squad, the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority, and was selected a 500 Princess during her senior year.

Laura’s career path has always been directed toward Marketing and Public Relations.  You may recognize her from one of the following positions:Citizens Bank; Assistant Vice President / Director of Corporate and Community Relations / Sales OfficerDeaconess Hospital Foundation;  Director of Planned GivingARC Construction; Director of Marketing Easter Seals; Director of Special EventsVistaCare Hospice; Director of Professional Relations & Community Education Laura also has volunteered her time in leadership positions for several Evansville community organizations:Metropolitan Evansville Chamber of Commerce; Chairman- Ambassador Group & Retention Committee Evansville Morning Rotary Club;  Board of Directors & Chairman – Membership Committee Family & Children’s Services, Inc.  Vice President – Development, Chairman- “A Chocolate Affair”  Friends of the Victory;  Board of Directors, Chairman-Nominating Committee, Tour Committee Chairman - Victory Theatre Community Grand Opening Celebration Methodist Temple;  Member – Koninia Sunday School Class

Laura lives with her two cats in Newburgh, IN, and enjoys gardening, biking, working out at Tri-State Athletic Club, and spending time with friends.

 

 

 

 

 

Willa Mooney, Service Support Staff

 Willa Mooney joined the Browning Funeral Home support service staff in 2006.  Willa grew up in West Virginia where she was the second of six children.  She married her husband Marshall 36 years ago.  She is the proud mother of three daughters and sons-in-law.  Willa loves spending time with her six grandchildren.  Willa attends Christian Fellowship Church.  Whenever Willa is working, her friendly smile is like a breath of fresh sunshine that greets you as you come to Browning Funeral Home.

 

 

 Mark Egli, Facilities Manager

 

 

 

Mark is married to his lovely wife, Jenny.  They are the parents of four grown children, Scott, Bryan, Kevin and Holly and seven grandchildren. They live in Wadesville, out in the country. Mark loves outdoor life, so he loves their home, with lots of land, deer, rabbits, skunks and squirrels.  During his free time Mark enjoys bike riding, hiking, back packing and kayaking.  He worked at United Parcel Post as their Account Manager for Strategic Accounts until his retirement.  He has been working for Browning Funeral Home for almost a year.  Through his diligent attention to details, our fleet of cars is always clean, our yard, plantings, parking lot and building look shiny and sparkling clean.  Mark brings a fresh face and an enthusiastic attitude to our team. He is always ready to learn more, help out wherever he is needed and try to help the Browning Funeral Home team to be efficient.