Ronald Brown

Ronald Leonard Brown, 88, of Rockton, Illinois, passed peacefully at home surrounded by loving family on Friday, April 19, 2024. He was born at home in Barrington, Illinois, the son of Robert Eugene and Gladys Ellen (Sturm) Brown on October 20, 1935. He was the oldest of three siblings. He graduated from Barrington High School. He entered the United States Navy in February of 1955 where he worked as an Electronics Technician, Second Class. While on leave for his father's funeral Ron met Marjorie Quimby. They fell in love the first day they met and they were married 6 weeks later in Long Beach, California on July 20, 1956 and were married a total of 68 years. He returned to complete two years serving on the U.S.S. Bremerton (CA 130). While out to sea, Ron's oldest child Michael was born in Long Beach in April 1957. Ron then served in Driver, Virginia for his remaining two years of service. His daughter Christine was born in January 1959 on base in Portsmouth just prior to his discharge. Returning to civilian life, Ron and Margie bought their first home in Glen Ellyn, Illinois where their three younger children were born, Sharon (1962), Steven (1965) and Laura (1973). The family moved to Wheaton, Illinois in 1976. Ronnie worked for Jewel/Osco for over 40 years with various positions, mostly driving a semi-truck, retiring in 1991. Before his retirement he ran a successful bait shop through his garage for a few summers called "Ron's Worms". Empty nesters and with many grandchildren and great grandchildren too, Ron and Marge moved to Rockton in 2009. They eventually had 15 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson and more on the way.

He was a hard-working, dedicated husband and father who loved spending time with his family. He loved music and played the harmonica and saxophone. He taught his children integrity and was an honest man. He was handsome and charming and had a witty humor that he carried with him to the end.

He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Marjorie Brown; sons, Michael (Linda) Brown and Steven Brown (Lora); daughters, Christine (Kristopher) Smith, Sharon Sanders, and Laura (Paul) Ferrara; sister, Linda Morand; and many nieces and nephews; sixteen grandchildren, Michelle, Jake, Elizabeth, Cassandra, Marjorie, Gloria, Emily, Jessica, Olivia, Sarah, Steven Forest, Joe, Kate, Josh, Ellie, Wyatt; 23 great-grandchildren and one on the way; one great-great-grandchild; and other beloved family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Gladys Brown; brother, Robert Brown; daughter-in-law, Debra (Ferrara) Brown; son-in-law, Michael Sanders; grandson, Richard Moberg.

He will rest in Rockton Cemetery.

He will be truly missed, and his memories will live on for all of those who will love him forever.

McCorkle Funeral Home - Rockton Chapel assisted the family.