Charles R. Brownlee's Obituary
Charles Raymond Brownlee passed to eternal life on December 28th, 2020 at St. Marys’ Hospital. He was 89 years young.
Charles was the son of Helen Venters and George Whitney. He was adopted by Alfred Brownlee as an infant and had eight half siblings. His only surviving brother being Gene (Olive) Brownlee of Bethany, IL.
He eloped on St. Patricks’ Day in 1950 with Marjorie Lehn of Warrensburg. They were married 66 years before her passing in 2017. Charles and Marjorie had three sons: Mark (Heather) Brownlee of Arizona, Daniel (Debbie) Brownlee of Ohio, and Eric Brownlee of Nevada and one daughter Lucinda Brownlee of Illinois.
Chuck began an early career in law enforcement with the Illinois State Police and worked for Borg Warner. Later he and Marjorie moved to southern California to raise their family. He reunited with his father George, a detective, and went to work for the Santa Ana PD and then the Orange County Sheriff as a reserve officer for 17 years with a final rank of lieutenant. He also owned his own RV repair service for 20 years. He returned to Decatur in the early 90’s and was busy with a car lot and an appliance business until he retired for health reasons. He was a member of the Decatur Christian Science Church.
He leaves behind all his children, and two loving daughters-in-law: Debbie and Ginny Brownlee. A special son-in-law, Dan O’Loughlin. His grand children Angela, Mark Jr., Russell (Courtney), Heather, Kevin (Holly) and Whitney. His great grandchildren: Sarah, Grace, Faith, Hope, Gianna, Preston, Avery, Jacob and Emma. And dear friend Chris (Darlene) D’Anna.
Cremation rites have been accorded to Charles by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Please view his obituary and share memories and condolences at www.gracelandfairlawn.com
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