Paul Brown

Paul Lewis Brown, 91 of Delavan, Illinois, passed into the presence of his Lord and Savior on March 1, 2026, at his home.

Paul Lewis was born December 21, 1934, in Peoria, IL to Daniel and Mary Grace Brown.

Paul attended Monmouth College and the University of Illinois, majoring in Agriculture and Animal Husbandry before joining his father on the family farm. Paul farmed for the rest of his life with his father, and later with his son in the Delavan area.

He married his beloved sweetheart, Phebe Lois of St. Francisville, IL, whom he knew from childhood, on January 30, 1956. The two of them enjoyed spending time with family and traveling. She passed away November 25, 2012.

Paul gave his heart to Jesus when he was a young boy and sought to know his Savior more daily. His deepest desire was that all would know the grace by which he was saved through the gift of God. Paul was known for the work of his hands and being outdoors in God’s creation. He loved to hike, was a Master Gardener, and water skied through his 80th year.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Jeanette, his loving wife, Phebe Lois, and one daughter, Eunice Grace Saathoff. He is survived by one son Dan (Martha) Brown of Delavan, two daughters, Esther (Scott) French of Wilmette, Paula (Paul) Scott of Pekin, one son-in-law, Mark Saathoff of Fort Madison, IA, nine grandchildren, and thirteen great grandchildren. His great love of his Savior was evidenced by his great love for others, and he was affectionately called Uncle Paul by many outside the family.

Paul was a member of Bloomington Christian Fellowship.

His funeral will be held 11:00 am Friday, March 6, 2026 at Davis Oswald Funeral Home in Delavan. His son Dan Brown will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 pm Thursday and from 10:00 -10:45 am Friday, both at the funeral home. Burial will be at Prairie Rest Cemetery in Delavan.

Memorials may be made to Bible Truth Publishers or Pathway Ministries.

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