Stephen Victor Brown

Steve Brown Obituary *written by Steve Brown

Stephen Victor Brown, 79, passed away on February 23, 2026 in The Villages, Florida from heart failure. Steve was born on January 8, 1947 to Vera Lou Mackin and John E. Brown, Jr. (both deceased) in Danville, Illinois (the "s" is silent folks).

Steve was fortunate to have two older sisters, Jennifer A. Brown Pichon (Fabe, deceased) of San Jose, CA and Stephanie D. Brown Mumm, deceased (Ron, deceased) of Philo, IL and Julie, Rhonda, Lyndon, Mark and Kim, nieces and nephews. For years in his early childhood, it was thought that his older sisters constantly teased, ganged up on, and conspired to get him in trouble… his self-awareness later revealed that his orneriness was apparently his own damn fault. He had a nearly perfect life growing up with wonderful parents and great sisters.

Steve attended Danville, Illinois schools and graduated high school in 1965.

Steve and his first wife Donna McDermott (deceased) had one child, Matthew J. Brown (wife, Celene) who resides in Salado, TX. Also surviving are Matt's children, Alex (wife Laci) and Cassie Brown Chery (husband Pat). Also surviving are two great-grandchildren Olivia Brown and Paxton Chery.

Steve later married Janet K. Bevan in 1974, his smart, pretty and talented life partner who he loved. They had two children, Eric J. Brown of Glendale, AZ and Amy E. (Brown) Davis (husband Brad) of Fairmount, Illinois. Grandchildren are Reghan Wade (husband Logan), Ashlynn, and Ethan all residing in Fairmount, IL as well as one great-granddaughter, Natalie Wade.

Steve loved and cherished each of his kids and was very proud of them as they grew into people of good character. All of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren survive.

Steve worked at Teepak/Viscofan of Danville for 43 years spanning two jobs that he loved; Project Engineer and later Safety Manager.

In 2012 Steve and Jan moved to the villages to enjoy their retirement, where they had a wonderful life filled with good fun, excellent neighbors and great friends! He lived his life being ever grateful for his lifetime friends and some recent really good friends.

Steve stayed busy serving his communities as a firefighter and EMT, CPR instructor, part-time policeman, Haz-Mat Tech, and Rope Rescue/Confined Space team member. Steve served on a few boards… Arts in the Park, and the Teepak Credit Union, and Habitat for Humanity, where he also worked in the Restore and building houses in IL and FL. Steve volunteered with VHA's Helping Hands program. He was an active member of the Danville Rifle and Pistol Club, Danville Engineers Club, Danville Safety Council and the Local Emergency Planning Committee. Steve and Jan were active in Life Church until leaving for Florida.

Steve enjoyed a few years in a shooting club where he served as a Safety Officer, as well as competing in combat shooting. He also enjoyed landscaping, rummages sales and building and fixing things.

Steve looked forward, with his fellow Teepakers, to each of their 33 years at their annual Peachseed Fish Frolic, enjoying the fishing, the beers and the lies. He enjoyed martial arts, achieving a black belt with American Judo Federation and a brown belt in Jujitsu. Steve played volleyball for many years, then water volleyball after moving to The Villages in 2012.

After moving to The Villages, he also served as a supervisor from 2014 until January of 2026 on District 9's Board and a member of the PWAC Board.

Steve and Jan are active members of the Convertible Club, where Jan serves as President, as they enjoy the trips, events and good friends. Jan and Steve country danced and taught with the Kickapoo Sidekicks in Illinois for many years… lots of fun, great friends. Later, they were East Coast Swing dance instructors for The Enrichment Academy in The Villages for many years and had a ball introducing dance to a couple thousand students.

Private graveside services will be held and his ashes will be placed in Sunset Memorial Park (his hometown in Danville, IL). Condolences, smart remarks, kind words and funny stories may be sent to Jan and kids at svbrown65@gmail.com.

Steve was always grateful for his faith, friends, and especially his family. But most of all, he felt so fortunate to have lived a wonderful life with his (lucky to have snagged her) fantastic wife, Jan! He was a conservative patriot, who loved liberty and appreciated America and all she represents.

He often claimed to be a blessed man. We believe he was. Godspeed.