Born: June 29, 1954 - Deceased: July 5, 2020
Robert M. Brown Jr. of Belleville, Ill., passed away peacefully to his home in heaven on Sunday July 5, 2020 at his daughter’s home in Antelope, Ca.
Robert was born into a military family and lived in multiple places throughout his childhood. He graduated from Belleville West High and was accepted at Ranken Technical College where he graduated in 1976 with a degree in Architectural Drafting. After working for a few months he left Illinois and headed to the University of Nevada Reno on a boxing scholarship, which eventually led to a Golden Glove Medal. In 1977 he started his long standing career with United Parcel Service and met his wife, Andree shortly after. They bought their first home in Reno and had two daughters before transferring with UPS to Roseville Ca., where he lived for the majority of his career.
Due to his ambitious nature, Bob went back to school and graduated from the University of Phoenix with a masters in business. In his spare time he enjoyed golfing, working on the many muscle cars he owned, vacationing with his family, spending time on his boat, fishing, taking pride in maintaining his home, dancing, listening to music, being silly, and loving his daughters and granddaughter. At the age of 55, and after a 5 year long second marriage to Glenda, Bob decided to enjoy an early retirement.
He served 32 dedicated years with UPS and felt it was time to relax and focus on the things that made him happy. He worked at the car races, enjoyed warm summer nights at lake Carlyle, grilled at backyard BBQ’s, and shared many holiday memories. It was during his time in Belleville that Bob was diagnosed with a rare Neuro degenerative disease, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. Bob learned to live a new life through his disease back in California with his daughters and other family members close by. He spent his time playing cards, watching his granddaughter play soccer, requesting huge crab and steak dinners, and meeting and holding his new grandson. He fought this disease with all the strength God gave him. He laughed and joked through the whole process, until his peaceful end with his family surrounding him in love.
Bob was preceded in death by his:
- Father: Robert M Brown
- Brother: Edwin Brown
He is survived by his:
- Daughters:
- Nikki Brown
- Darcy Brown
- Two grandchildren
- Isabella Brown
- Micah Allen
- Mother: Natividad Brown
- Twin sister: Donna Schottel
- Sister: Doreen Musial
- Brothers
- Kenneth Brown
- Leonard Brown
- Randal Brown
- Along with a host of other relatives and friends
Bob leaves us to cherish in memory, countless laughs and values regarding family bonds, having a strong worth ethic, and a selfless “do for others” attitude that made everyone respect and love him dearly.
Visitation: Visitation from 10:00 to Noon on Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at the Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL
Services: A celebration of life ceremony will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at 12 Noon, at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, with Rev. Doug Stewart officiating. Interment will follow at Mt.Hope Cemetery in Belleville, IL.
12 Comments
We were so very sorry to learn Bob had passed away. The world has lost a very good man. We hope the many cherished memories you as a family have of Bob will bring you much comfort as you all face the future without him. God bless and comfort you all as you go through this time of sorrow. Our deepest sympathies.
Lynn and John Kraus
Bob was a good friend. He will b missed by many. My prayers are with the family.
My heart goes out to Donna, Doreen, Kenny, Lenny, Randy and your wonderful mother for your loss.
You guys were like a second family to me. There are so many great memories I have from knowing Bob that I will always cherish. I was so blessed to have a friend like Bob.
We have very good memories of Bobby helping us while we were racing midgets in USA. We got shown local attractions, had home cooked BBQ’s and very good laughs.
Thank-you Bobby for the awesome memories and friendship we made
So sorry for your loss Bob was a very kind person that loved to help people and make you laugh. He will be missed.
Had the opportunity to play softball with on Kilian’s sponsored team. Had many of good times, he’ll be missed! Prayers to his family.
All smiles when I think of the times I was able to spend with Bob. My condolences to all. If there will be a celebration of his life, please let me know. Jeff Lukowsky
I was very sad to hear of Bob’s passing. We were lifelong friends from the time we met in our middle teens in the Eiler Road gang. He was a great brother in law and we spent many great times together at Carlyle Lake. He was a great father to his daughters Niki and Darcy. I wish his family my sympathy. He is in great company now with his Dad, Grandfather and Grandmother. Rest easy now Bob
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Bob from his time working at the grocery store in Kmart and running with the guys from Eiler Rd. We all admired him so much. We were in awe of him and his red muscle car and the stories we would hear about him boxing. My prayers are with your family.
We are so very sad and sorry to hear about Bobby! He was such a fun, kind friend! We have memories that we will cherish forever! Our deepest sympathy and love to Andre, his beautiful daughters and family! With love and prayers!
So sorry for your loss. I was a young Ups driver when I met Bob. He was by far the best manager I ever had in my career. A strait shooter always honest and fair! RIP Bob
Bob was a good man and always reflected his values in what he did and how he managed his people. I was fortunate to work for him at UPS. He will truly be missed by the people fortunate to know him on his travels through life. My heart goes out to his Mom and family.