Gorden Lee Brown

This is the story of Gorden Lee Brown. Gorden asked for a simple obituary, but to many he was extraordinary with a story deserving to be told. Even in his last breaths, he lived a life of gratitude and humility. On November 5, 1944, in Kenton, Ohio, the world became a little better when Gorden arrived. Born to the Rev. William and Margaret Brown, Gorden was the middle child with older brother, Charles, and younger brother, Donald. As a family of ministry, they moved around the midwest. Some of his favorite childhood memories were the times he enjoyed playing with his cousins in Chicago and talked about those fond memories often. His family moved from Fairbury, Illinois, to East Peoria, Illinois, during his senior year at Fairbury Cropsey High School where he was able to graduate with his friends in 1962 thanks to some good friends who took him in for the remainder of the school year. Gorden did not know at that time that his family would be living right next door to the future love of his life in East Peoria. Gorden married Jean Culpepper on December 5, 1970. In 1971, he graduated from Bradley University with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. This was a true accomplishment for him because he worked hard to pay his way through college. In 1974, their first child, Shana, was born and soon followed Leann in 1975. For the years following that he worked in a variety of accounting roles from auditor to contract negotiator to Chief Financial Officer. He worked very hard to provide for his family and even prepared tax returns for many people every tax season. Many of his clients trusted him for decades. Most recently he was working for a car dealership doing something he also loved - driving. Gorden was very committed to his faith and served on a number of committees at First Baptist Church of Peoria throughout the years. He also enjoyed not only playing dartball for over 50 years, but serving on the board for the Greater Peoria Area Dartball League. Gorden also enjoyed bowling, playing games, and traveling to National Parks. For those who knew him very well, they might have even had an opportunity to go on a road trip adventure. When we say adventure, we mean it. The most hilarious stories have been talked about for many years amongst his family and friends which were born out of his sometimes "unorthodox" decisions. Let's just say the Dukes of Hazzard driving stunts were an inspiration to him. Most of all, Gorden truly loved and lived to help others. He would go above and beyond for even strangers if he felt he could lend a hand. When people think of him they feel the legacy of kindness and selflessness he has left for others to pay forward. On February 28, 2024, Gorden's gentle soul departed this world at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, Illinois, surrounded by his loving family, pastor, and caring staff. Surviving is his wife of 53 years, Jean Brown of East Peoria, daughters Shana Brown of Lihue, Hawaii, and Leann Eisfelder (Tim) and much loved grandson, Logan Eisfelder of Washington, brothers Charles (Marie) Brown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Donald (Chris Parsons) Brown of Los Angeles, California, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, in-laws, and cousins. Gorden wanted to give special gratitude to all the medical staff at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center for all their efforts and caring during the fight for his life. To everyone who came to visit him in his last days of occupying his physical body, he gave continual gratitude and never complained. Let his life be an example to you so his light of kindness can live on in others. Services will be held at First Baptist Church of Peoria, 411 W. Lake Ave, Peoria, IL 61614 Saturday, March 9, 2024 Visitation 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM; Service 11:30 AM; Luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers Gorden requested donations be made to First Baptist Church of Peoria. Previous Events Visitation MAR 9. 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM (CT) First Baptist Church of Peoria 411 W. Lake St Peoria, IL 61614 Funeral Service MAR 9. 11:30 AM (CT) First Baptist Church of Peoria 411 W. Lake St Peoria, IL 61614 Luncheon to follow.

Gorden Lee Brown

November 5, 1944 - February 28, 2024