Robert G. Brown

RITCHIE—Robert G. Brown, 81, a lifelong resident of Ritchie, passed away Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020 at his home.
Born June 7, 1938 in Ritchie, Robert Glenn was a son of Harry Glenn and Genevieve Lucille “Jean” (Muncey) Brown. He was raised in Ritchie and educated in the Wilmington public schools.
Bob worked for General Motors Fisher Body Company for 14 years, and most recently was an owner/operator truck driver and worked for Melvin Sales out of Streator. He was a member of the Wilmington Church of the Nazarene and also belonged to the United Automobile Workers (UAW) during his tenure with Fisher Body.
In his free time, Bob enjoyed gardening, and over the years assisted various local farmers in the area. He had great pride for his vehicles and loved attending both car shows and tractor pulls.
Survivors include his wife, Sarah (nee Griggs), who he married in his parents’ home on March 9, 1968; two daughters. Lee Ann (Eric) Maynard and Bobbi Jean (Don) Peters; his son-in-law, Jon Galayda; six grandchildren: E.J. (Samantha) Maynard, Hannah Maynard, Paige Peters (Brant Berta), Kayla Peters, Logan Peters, and Erica Maynard; one great -grandson, Memphis; two sisters, Evelyn (Melvin) Fennewald, of Wilmington and Kathleen (Neilse “Max”) Hoffman, of Channahon; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Marzee Thomas, Dimple Prentice, Shields (Sharon) Griggs, Johnny (Judy) Griggs, LeVert (Johnny) Wilson, Lib Griggs and Verna Griggs; numerous nieces and nephews, including his special niece, Gina Jaros, and friends: Tom (Angela) Murray and Fred Walls, who were like brothers.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Jean Brown; daughter, Julie Ann Galayda; sister, Janet Brown; brother, Roland Brown; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Rev. Pink and Maggie Griggs and his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Pink Griggs Jr., Raymond (Donna) Griggs, Janella (Gene) Lovell, Clifford Thomas, Clarence Griggs, Lovelace Griggs and Hudson Griggs.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020 from 3 p.m. until the time of funeral service at 7 p.m. at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 E. Kahler Rd. in Wilmington. A private family burial will follow Friday, Jan. 17, 2020 in Wesley Cemetery in Ritchie. Bob’s son-in-law, Eric Maynard and Pastor Andy Hamilton from Adventure Church will officiate.
Pallbearers will be: Eric Maynard, Don Peters, E.J. Maynard, Logan Peters, Jon Galayda and Brant Berta.
Family and friends may sign the guest book, upload photographs or share Bob’s memorial page online through social media by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com/notices/Robert-Brown
Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington.