Thomas Earl Brown

Thomas (Tom) Earl Brown, 97 of Urbana passed away Saturday October 14, 2023 at Tuscola Health Care Center.  He passed peacefully in his sleep and was ready to be with his creator and reunited with Rose, the love of his life. He was born January 19, 1926, in Niagara Falls, New York, the son of Homer and Catherine (Cuddahee) Brown.  He married Rose Mary Jansen in Lafayette, Indiana, on June 26, 1948, and she preceded him in death on January 20, 2020. Rose and Tom were married over 71 years when Rose passed.

He is survived by a daughter, Donna Peyton, Sons, Paul (Linda) Brown and Rob (Mary) Brown, and 6 living grandchildren; Jason, Hannah, Jake, Carol, Kate, and Clara. One grandchild, James Peyton, preceded him in death in 2012. Tom had 4 great grandchildren, Dylan, Katie, Evee and Kyler.

Tom graduated from Trott Vocational High School in Niagara Falls, New York, and later attended Illinois Commercial College, Champaign earning a degree in Certified Bookkeeping.  He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Urbana. Tom served in the US Navy during WWII.

 He worked at Clifford Jacobs as a Time-Keeper and Safety Officer until he retired. Tom and Rose moved into Prairie Winds in Urbana in 2012 and made many friends along with Tom catching many fish in the lake across the street.

Tom was a man of strong faith and he lived life as a humble servant. He gave all credit for his 3 wonderful children to Rose! Tom loved to golf but his lifelong passion was fishing which he shared with his children and grandchildren. Tom was a role model and example for his children of how to live life in service to others. As Rose approached her transition from this earth she had many health issues and Tom was a diligent care giver and support to comfort her throughout. This is just one example of the humble nature and actions of Tom Brown.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, October 21, at 11:00am with a visitation from 10:00 to 10:55 a.m. at St Patrick Catholic Church, 708 W. Main St., Urbana, Illinois. Father Anthony Co will officiate.  aMilitary Rites will be held after the services in honor of his service to our country, and then a lunch will follow in St. Bridget Hall at St. Patrick’s.

Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com

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