Russell (Russ) Brown, 53, of Champaign, died at 9:00 P.M. on March 16, 2015 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, following a lengthy and courageous battle against cancer.

Russell was born on April 18, 1961 in Wellington, Kansas to Ralph and Velda Brown. He graduated from Wellington Senior High School, Wellington, Kansas and then attended Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas where he graduated in May, 1984 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science.

After graduation from college, he held positions at Excel Corporation and the Wichita Public Schools and A.B. Chance Company in Centralia, Missouri. He joined Communications Data Group in Champaign, IL on September 11, 1995, where he was currently employed as a software developer.

Russell enjoyed music, especially marching band music, and was a big fan of John Philip Sousa compositions. He enjoyed playing percussion instruments and was a member of the Parkland College Concert Band. He also enjoyed reading, movies, traveling and biking.

Russell is survived by his parents, Ralph and Velda Brown and brother, Lance Brown, all of Scottsdale, AZ. There will be no funeral services. Burial will be at a later date in Scottsdale, AZ.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org), American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org), Fisher House Foundation (www.fisherhouse.org), or First Christian Church, 123 W. 9th St.; Wellington, KS. 67152.