Herman LeRoy BrownMacomb, Illinois

Herman LeRoy Brown, a lifelong resident of Macomb, died on January 11 at the age of 90. He was the son of Glen and Eva Brown and had 10 siblings, all who have predeceased him.

Leroy left home at age 17 to join the Navy, where he served four years, traveled around the world twice and proudly told stores about how he singlehandedly kept up foreign relations at every stop along the way.

Upon returning to Macomb, he met his wife, Patricia “Patsy” Brown and they married in 1957. Together they raised two sons, Mark and Bruce. She preceded him in death in 2012.

LeRoy was a member of the Macomb Police Department during the early years of their marriage. He went on to own his own business, but his support and admiration for law enforcement agencies in the county and state of Illinois never wavered. In 1995, he was named an Honorary Illinois State Trooper by Illinois Governor Jim Edgar.

In 1962 he began Macomb Transfer, moving numerous families to the local area. His next venture was in the waste hauling business. LeRoy Brown & Sons Refuse Removal became one of the largest waste haulers in Macomb and the surrounding area and there wasn’t a local parade that didn’t include a sparkling clean garbage truck in its lineup.

He loved Macomb and belonged to many organizations within the community including a lifetime member of the Macomb VFW, the American Legion (Past Commander), the Moose, Eagles and Elks clubs, the Macomb Masonic Lodge 17 AF&AM, the Quincy Consistory and Peoria Mohammed Shrine. Leroy served on the First National Bank Board, the McDonough County Board, and was past President of the Macomb Country Club. He contributed both personally and financially to help improve opportunities for the residents of Macomb. In 2003, he received an honorary diploma from Macomb Senior High, when he finally earned his “Bomber” wings.

His proudest accomplishment, however, was his family. He is survived by his sons, Mark (Liz) and Bruce, seven grandchildren: Wade (Abby), Nico, Nolen (April), Grant (Alexandra), Claire Orwig (Jake), Andrew Harrison (Elsa), and Nicholas Harrison (Lauren), and three great grandchildren: Oliver Orwig, Rhett Brown and Adaline Brown.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 18, 2024 at Clugston-Tibbitts Funeral Home in Macomb with Pastor Grant Brown officiating. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday January 17, 2024 with Masonic services being held at 4:30 p.m. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Macomb with full military rites being conducted by the Macomb VFW and Macomb American Legion. Everyone is invited to the Macomb VFW following the services for a meal.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to the Macomb YMCA.

You may leave condolences and sign the guest book online at clugston-tibbitts.com.