Robert Samuel Brown Obituary (1949 - 2021)

Robert Samuel Brown was born on October 10, 1949. His parents, John Tabner and Helen Marie were farm workers in rural Modesto, Illinois. Robert was born with significant delays and difficulties and according to the times, was placed at the Lincoln and then Jacksonville Developmental Center at age 5, where he grew up. Pathway School was created in the sixties and at long last Robert could attend school. Robert loved being a part of Pathway. He got to take a bus ride each morning and again in the afternoon! While at Pathway, Robert was a boy scout with the Pathway Troop which opened his world even further. He attended meetings, dances, campouts and earned badges. Each year, Robert enjoyed marching in the annual Lincoln Pilgrimage, where on year he convinced the Governor Thompson to join his troop and walk the parade route. In 1979, Robert went on a new adventure. He had a new legal guardian, Becky Rands, who moved him to Springfield, Illinois where he became a client of SPARC. Robert lived in a group home for a while and attended school. Shortly thereafter, Robert and his best friend, Russell were moved to Herb and Pat Quebe's CILA. Robert and Russell were in the Quebe's home for 22 years until the Quebe's retired. Robert blossomed being part of a family. Robert loved to greet people; each and everyone in his life benefitted from his waves and pats. Robert had simple joys: getting a semi to blow its horn, seeing a train, swinging in a glider, going for ice cream and in his later years, lazing in his recliner while watching a movie with his housemates. Robert passed away peacefully Thursday, May 13, 2021 surrounded by the love of his SPARC family. A Celebration of Life will be held for Robert at the Work Center, 2929 Stanton Avenue, Springfield, Illinois at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, May 25, 2021. His cremains will be scattered at a later date. Robert and his family are under the care of Airsman & Calvert Funeral Home in Virden, Illinois. Written by his loving teacher and guardian Becky Rands.