From the September 30, 2002 issue of The Country Chronicle
Danbury, NH–Wilmer L. “Bill” Brownell, 79, of Brad Chase Road, died Sept. 8, 2002 at Concord Hospital following a brief illness.
He was born in Nashua, NH of Feb. 20, 1923 the son of John L. and Marjorie (Anderson) Brownell. He spent his early years in Antrim.
Mr. Brownell joined the Merchant Marines in 1942 and then served as a staff sergeant in the US Marine Corps in 1943 with a sharpshooter badge during WWII, seeing action in the South Pacific-Marina Islands. He trained officers in aircraft and surface craft recognition in the states. After the war, Mr. Brownell worked on road construction and was a conservation officer in the seven-town district around New London. He also bought and sold many pieces of property. He and his wife established the Aqua Tree and Berry Farm in 1967, planting more than 2500 blueberry bushes. He practiced sustainable forestry management, conservation and improving habitat for wildlife. He was a skilled woodsman, hunter, trapper, fisherman, tracker and also raised and trained his own hunting dogs. He enjoyed prospecting, mineral collecting, bee keeping and wild honey bee hunting. He also had a great respect for Native American culture and love of their art.
Mr. Brownell was a member of King Solomon’s Lodge 14 F & AM of Elkins and Lee Knap American Post 69 of Danbury.
Family members include his wife of 58 years, Mary (Huntoon) Brownell of Danbury, five children: Terre Brownell of Wilmot; Ilona Adams of Fountain Hills, AZ; Ronald Brownell of Alexandria; Alan Brownell of Danbury and Lance Brownell of Wilmot; 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
There were no calling hours. A private service was held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to King Solomon’s Lodge 14, PO Box 295, Elkins 03233 or the Danbury Community Center, 15 High St., Danbury 03230.
Chadwick Funeral Service of New London was in charge of arrangements.