Volney Edward Brawner, Sr

Portsmouth, RI - Volney Edward Brawner, Sr., 91, of 2368 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI, died on January 27, 2012 at Saint Elizabeth Manor in Bristol RI.He was the devoted husband of the late Edith Pivarcsik Brawner, to whom he was married for 63 years. He was a loving father and a respected member of the community. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.Born in Newport, RI on May 16, 1920, he was the son of the late Sidney J. and Jennie Casimir Brawner.Mr. Brawner served proudly in the United States Army during World War II with Company C of the 118th Engineering Combat Battalion in the South Pacific, earning eight battle stars including combat services in the Solomon Islands and the Philippines. He worked for the former Newport Oil Corporation as a service technician, retiring in 1983. Mr. Brawner was a devoted member of St. Marys Episcopal Church and was a sexton at St. Georges Church in Newport for many years. He enjoyed woodworking, crossword puzzles, cribbage and, camping with his family and friends. He adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is survived by his sons, Volney E. Jr. and his wife Cheryl Williams Brawner of Portsmouth, RI and Michael J. and his wife Maureen McIntyre Brawner of Gales Ferry, CT; his grandchildren, Kristen Hughes and her husband James of Tiverton, RI, Craig Edward and his wife Christina Randall Brawner of Bristol, RI, Emily Rose Brawner, Megan Mary Brawner and Kevin Michael Brawner, all of Gales Ferry CT, and his great grandchildren, Cole Thomas Hughes, Shaun William Hughes and Lily Marie Brawner.He was the brother of the late Paul Brawner, Frederick Brawner, Sidney J. Brawner, Jr., Lawrence Brawner, Lindsey Brawner, Anna Brownell and Francis Barbarow. Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 3rd, from 10-12, at the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth followed by his service at 1PM.in St. Marys Episcopal Church, 324 East Main Road, Portsmouth,Burial will be in St. Marys Churchyard with military honors. Interment will be held at a later date.Donations in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 931 Jefferson Blvd., Suite 3004, Warwick, RI 02886.