OBITUARY: Robert Leland Brown

Robert L. Brown, 69 of West Frankfort, died at 8:56 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2013, at Herrin Hospital.

He was born on May 17, 1944, in Benton to Robert (Bud) Brown Senior and Magdalene (Mag) Thompson.

Surviving are sons, Michael (Courtney) Brown residing in O'fallon and Lance (Chelcee) Brown in West Frankfort; grandchildren, Austin, Carson, Kendall, Logan and Kennedi; a sister, Susan (David) Hennicke of Glen Ellyn; and loving partner, Vickie "Baby" Mason of Harrisburg.

Bobby Brown was one of the most talented athletes to graduate from F.C.H.S. to this day. He holds the single basketball scoring record of 52 points in one game and also holds the most points in one single season. He received upon graduation a basketball/football scholarship to the University of Illinois. After many successful years as an athlete there he started his coaching career at Murray State. Making a name for himself he was hired as freshman basketball coach at his alma mater.

"Coach" Brown was given the opportunity to coach at Eldorado High School. He took his talented teams to state three out of the five years there and put his name in the books earning prestigious recognition by being inducted into several Hall of Fames as a coach and player.

Bob received his degree in education and taught several years in Eldorado, West Frankfort and at John A. Logan while he was coaching. Bob returned to his Alma Mater in 94-95 to coach his sons and many other hometown athletes. He motivated and mentored them and taught them the "game of life" on and off the court. He will be remembered by all of his players. Later in life he enjoyed his entrepreneurial skills in many businesses. Bob never met a stranger and was a positive influence on everyone's life. Bob was very proud of his sons and all of their accomplishments and especially enjoyed precious moments with his five grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013, in the Second Baptist Church in West Frankfort with Dr. Brett Beasley officiating. Burial will be in Tower Heights Cemetery in West Frankfort. Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Parker Reedy Funeral Home in West Frankfort. Memorials can be made to the Robert Brown Scholarship Fund and will be accepted at the funeral home and church.

For more information or to sign the guest register visit www.parkerreedyfuneralhome.com