Robert T. Brownlee, Sr. Obituary (1942 - 2024)

Robert Templeton Brownlee, Sr., 81, of Blue Mound, IL passed away at his home on Thursday, February 29, 2024. A visitation to honor Robert’s life will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at Calvert & Wikoff Funeral Home, Blue Mound. Burial will be private family. Robert was born on April 27, 1942 in Shelbyville, IL, the son of Guy and Jesse Brownlee. He was an Army veteran, where he served as Military Police. He was married to Linda Hackney from 1963-1987 and had three children together. He was then later married to Kathy Catlin from 1988-2020. Robert worked as a body man at Hazelriggs and then served as shop foreman. After 20 years, he fulfilled his dream of owning his own body shop, Brownlee’s Auto Body. In retirement he continued his love for cars by opening Hot Rods-N-More from his home garage. Robert was a member of Rotary International, Blue Mound Lion’s Club, and several car clubs. He loved camping, hunting, bowling and his 1952 Dodge, but his true love was sitting on the riverbank fishing. He also enjoyed planting flowers, gardening, building a fire, playing bags and most of all times with the whole family. Robert is survived by his children: Vicki D. Brownlee of Blue Mound, IL, Deborah K. Brownlee of Washington D.C. and Robert T. Brownlee, Jr. of Blue Mound, IL; sister: Connie Sue Brownlee Jump of Decatur, IL; half-brothers: Thomas E. (Brenda) Sargeant of Blue Mound, IL, William R. “Bill” (Connie) Sargeant of Decatur, IL and Guy W. Brownlee, Jr. of Decatur, IL; grandchildren: Jackie Yard, Abigail Wetzel, Hannah (Brandt) Turasky, James (Cassie) Ballard, Bobbie Jo Ballard, Morgan (Seth) Marshall, Ryan (Rebekkah) Stephens, Robert McIntyre and Levi McIntyre; great grandchildren: Cash Henderson, Silas Sadler, Landon Turasky, Jackson Turasky, Waylon Turasky, Charlotte Ballard and Freyja Stephens. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters: Janice E. Borders and Barbara J. Jones, half-sister: Marilyn Brownlee. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.calvertmemorial.com.