Robert “Bob” Leroy Brown, 84, of Springfield, died Sunday, July 5, 2020, at 4:10 p.m. at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.
Visitation will be held Thursday, July 9, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Springfield. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Manuel P. Cuizon officiating. Burial will be held in McKinnie Cemetery in Springfield. Illinois COVID-19 guidance will be followed, requiring face coverings and limiting attendance to 20 guests at one time.
Mr. Brown was born April 1, 1936, in Springfield, the son of Clinton L. and Ruth Elizabeth “Betty” (Blakely) Brown. He married Marilyn Norris on June 9, 1956, in Springfield, and she preceded him in death on Jan. 1, 1998. He later married Margaret Ann Parker on May 13, 2006, and she survives.
A 1954 graduate of Lanphier High School, he was part of the last January graduating class. After high school, he attended barber college. He then owned and operated Bob and Gale’s Barber Shop until Feb. 8, 2017, when he retired.
He was a part of the Land of Lincoln Barber Shop Chorus for over 50 years. He was also a member of Juvae Jazz Society, the Knights of Columbus #4175 and the first senior bowling league at King Pin Lanes. He was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Bears. He enjoyed spending time with his family, and loved using his Kubota tractor and giving his grandchildren rides on it.
In addition to his wife, Maggie, he is survived by son, Richard (Margie) Brown of Pleasant Plains; daughters, Becky Brown of Springfield, Linda (Steve) Dunlevy of Butler and Julie (Bob) Varndell of Mahomet; stepson, Jeffrey (Sharon) Viccone of Decatur; stepdaughter, Deborah (Bernie) Simon of Chicago; grandchildren, Teresa, Michelle, Steven, Lindsey, Stacey, Tara, Brittany, Nick, Elisha, Jeffrey, Amanda and Bradley; siblings, Frank (Donna) Brown of Valpraiso, IN, and John (Bunny) Brown, Fred (Diana) Brown and Kathy (Bill) Garrison, all of Springfield; 18 great-grandchildren; two uncles; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant son, Stephen.
Memorials may be made to Land of Lincoln Barber Shop Chorus, 420 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL 62701 or Juvae Jazz Society, P.O. Box 2323, Decatur, IL 62524.
Online condolences may be left at www.butlerfuneralhomes.com.
