Barry W. Brown

Barry W. Brown was born on November 17, 1947, in Lawrenceville, Illinois. He was the firstborn child of Joan May and Gerol “Eldon” Brown. Joan and Eldon met in a pub in Stamford, England, while Eldon was serving in the United States Army during World War II. Eldon promised Joan that after moving to the United States, she would be able to return home to visit her family.

When Barry was a year old, the family traveled back to England, and Barry took his first steps aboard the Queen Mary. Two years later, his brother, Jerry Lee Brown, arrived. The young family eventually moved to Butte, Montana, along with several uncles and their families, in search of work in the mines. Sadly, Eldon was killed in a mining accident when Barry was 10 years old. Joan then moved the boys back to Divernon, Illinois, where Barry spent the rest of his childhood surrounded by his father’s family.

Barry and Jerry traveled to England several times with their mother and became fans of the Beatles. Inspired, they started their own band, The Panics. The Panics became local Divernon celebrities and performed on the town square several times. The band dissolved when Barry enlisted in the Army and was sent to Germany, where he served as a military police officer. His MP assignment whetted his appetite for civilian law enforcement, and in 1972, he was hired by the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office. Barry had a colorful and interesting career as a deputy sheriff, eventually retiring as Captain of Investigations in 2001.

Barry spent his retirement traveling, watching the Cubs, working at Vose’s Corn Dog stand during the Illinois State Fair, riding his motorcycle, and driving his Jeep. He also read the newspaper every day while listening to AM radio and watching the news, all at the same time. Barry died on July 13, 2026, after a long illness. His wife of 37 years, Debra, and his two greatest accomplishments, his daughters Madeline and Melaney, were by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved son, Tanner. He is survived by his wife, Debra; his daughters, Madeline and Melaney; and his granddaughter, Diana Spencer. Barry is also survived by his brother, Jerry; his nephews, Christopher Brown and Elliot Brown; his niece, Stephanie Orbiana; and their families.

Barry will be remembered for his love of the beach at Gulf Shores, Alabama, and for always carrying a colorful bandana in his pocket. It could be used to wipe away a tear or cool down a crying daughter, depending on what the situation called for.

Although he was incredibly proud of his daughters, Barry had very little tolerance for giggling and general foolishness. “Knock off the silliness” was a familiar command, usually accompanied by the “Brown Frown,” an expression that has clearly been passed down to his daughters. Barry loved playing the guitar and seemed able to play just about any song. Listening to him play music around the kitchen table was an experience no one fortunate enough to witness it would forget.

He was also known for his cooking and could whip up a mean pot of chili. He enjoyed making English dishes such as Toad in the Hole and pasties. Barry was also crazy about the three dogs he never wanted: Gracie, Roxie, and Genevieve.

He never met a Natty Light he didn’t like and was always up for a cold one in the garage. Our family would like to thank the nurses, staff, and caretakers at Mill Creek who cared for Barry during the last two and a half years. We know many of you became the focus of his “investigations” and “arrests,” and we cannot thank you enough for your patience, tolerance, care, and love for him. It truly took a village to care for Barry during these last few years, and we are grateful for every person who helped us.

Barry’s final wish was that there be no “dog and pony show,” so a private graveside service will be held.

To honor Barry, drink a Natty Light, listen to some good music, and remember that life is too short not to enjoy the good stuff.

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