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Obituary
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1931
2017
Roy Mack Brown, 85, passed away Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at his home in Naples, Florida.
The Funeral service will be held Wednesday, February 22 at East Lawn Funeral Home in Bloomington, IL at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Scott Boerckel officiating. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the Funeral Home. Burial will follow the service in East Lawn Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to Home Sweet Home Mission. Online condolences may be shared with the family at eastlawn-bloomington.com.
Mack was born September 30, 1931, in Bloomington, Illinois, the son of Roy Davis and Hazel Augusta McWhorter Brown. He married Micheline Starr. Later in life, he married Diana Blobaum. They both survive.
Also surviving are his son, Paul (Estelle) Brown of Bloomington. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and daughter Amy.
Mack attended Bloomington public schools and graduated from Illinois Weslyan University in 1953. He was active in the Sigma Chi Fraternity and served as Grand Praetor for Illinois and Wisconsin chapters.
Upon graduation he entered the securities industry working for C.E. Bohlander & Co. on straight commission. It was the "school of hard knocks" according to Mack and he used to order plain cheese sandwiches "because it was a nickel more to get them grilled."
Mack founded First Midstate Incorporated in 1963. His office stayed within a half-block radius in downtown Bloomington his entire professional career. Starting in the American State Bank Building, he then moved to the Griesheim Building and finally the Brown Building.
Mack appreciated the opportunity to serve many local units of government throughout the State of Illinois during his 60+ year professional career.
Mack served several years as a Trustee on the Board of Eureka College.
He was a long-time member of Bloomington Country Club and enjoyed many years of Saturday morning golf games with his 8:07 a.m. tee time group.
Mack attended Wesley Methodist Church, East White Oak Bible Church and North Naples Methodist Church at different times in his life. He trusted Jesus Christ as his Savior at a Walk to Emmaus Weekend at Lake Bloomington in 1994. That changed his life and his eternal destiny. He is at peace now in Heaven "connoitering" with Jesus and
will have no more Earthly "defugalties." "Do ya see what I mean?"
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by East Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens.
February 22, 2017
Bruce Fowlkes
On behalf of the Eureka College community, our deepest condolences to Mack's family and friends. The impact of his service and leadership to the college is deeply felt here, and we are grateful. May God's comfort accompany your memories of him.
Rev. Bruce Fowlkes, Eureka College Chaplain
February 21, 2017
Dave & Katherine Arnold
Mack combined his strong faith with a passion for education that fosters the development of character in concert with intellect. He served for over 20 years as a trustee of Eureka College and all who served with him respected his leadership and we will miss his warmth and wisdom going forward. He made a difference and we are grateful for his support. We wish Paul and his family all the best during this time of mourning Mack's passing.
February 21, 2017
Jeff and Karen VanGoethem
Paul and Estelle, sorry to hear the news about Mack. He was a little bigger than life, I thank the Lord I got to know him and spent a little time with him in the golf cart. Also looking forward to "connoitering" with Jesus with him, always remember how sad he was when his mother passed, may their reunion also be glorious. We pray God's comfort to you.
February 21, 2017
Lori DeKeyser
Paul, I had to chuckle at the use of "connoitering" in Mack's obit. It brought back many memories of the years that I worked with you and he at First Midstate. He was a tough guy to work for with very high standards but he taught me a great deal of valuable knowledge that I have continued to use throughout my lifetime. I've always had a great deal of respect for him and find myself even using some of his favorite phrases. I ran into him a few years ago at the Atlanta airport while we were both on our way to Florida and it was such a delight to catch up on each other's lives. Was sorry to hear of his passing and would be there to shake your hand if I wasn't on the road tomorrow driving back from North Carolina. You will be in our thoughts and prayers though as you bury your father.
February 21, 2017
Jeannie Heien
Mack, Rest in peace, Dear friend. Thank you for the opportunity to work with
you here in Naples. I always remember you from Bloomington Country Club all
those years. Who would have thought our paths would cross again in Naples.
You've worked very hard your entire life, and the prize of peace is now yours.
My prayers and God's Blessings to Paul and Estelle.
Jeannie Heien (Naples, FL)
February 21, 2017
Jeff Roley
I do see what you mean, Mac! Classic...RIP my friend and brother in Christ.
February 21, 2017
Ben Rhodes
Paul & Estelle: I had the honor of being on the Emmaus weekend with your dad when he professed his love for Jesus. It was so reassuring to a lot of the older guys that it's never too late. It was very special....as you know. I am sorry for your earthly loss but rejoice in his reuniting with our God.
We are in CA and will miss seeing you...but we will offer our prayers for you and the whole family.
Ben & Susan Rhodes
February 19, 2017
Tara Griffin
Peace Mack...thank you again for being so kind and sweet during my Mom's passing. Your kindness and thoughtfulness that day helped me get through such a difficult time. The rose bush you gave me in memory of my Mom will flourish this year. Thank you and say hi to Mom in heaven!
February 15, 2017
Valerie Dawn Embrey
Miss you Mack. You were such a great guy, you always made me laugh. Will never forget you. Dawn
February 15, 2017
Valerie Dawn Embrey
Mack you were such a wonderful person, I am so glad I had the opportunity to get to know you and to help you while you were here in Naples. You were such a special person and I will never forget you. I still can't believe you're gone but I know you're in a much better place. You will be missed by many , you had so many people who loved you and cared about you. Miss you so much.
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East Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens1102 Airport Road, Bloomington, IL 61704
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East Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens1102 Airport Road, Bloomington, IL 61704
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East Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens1102 Airport Road, Bloomington, IL 61704
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