William (Bill) Lee Brown, 72, Allen, Texas, died Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013.
He was born Oct. 23, 1941, to Harry and Dorothy Brown in Bloomington.
On May 27, 1960, he married Jean Naas. They were married for 52 years.
He was a teacher, coach, sports nut and long-time suffering Cubs fan. He was a devoted family man whose magnetic personality drew others to his family. Following his passion for baseball, he played for the Illinois State Teachers College Redbirds, earning a bachelors Degree in Education, and eventually earning a master’s degree from the University of Illinois.
He began his teaching career at Tri Valley School District in Downs, Ill. and progressed to Woodstock School District 200 for 29 years, finishing up in Allen Independent School District, Texas.
His grandchildren will miss his sideline commentary at their sporting events. He was an elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Allen, and he loved singing in the choir and being part of the church family. He had an optimistic nature and attitude. Upon his death, he donated his organs to UT Southwestern/St. Paul.
Survivors include his brother, Larry Brown; two daughters, Stacy Brown and Michele (Jon) Franke; a son, Jeffrey Brown; and five grandchildren, Elizabeth (Will) Molidor, Savanah (Greg) Seipert, Mesa Brown, Will Franke and Morgan Franke.
A celebration of his life was held Nov. 19 at the First Presbyterian Church of Allen, Texas.
Memorials can be made to Send Hope, 720 E. Main St., Suite B, Allen, TX 75002.