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Paul Bown Obituary
Springfield, IL—Paul Bown, 69, of Springfield, died at 11:05 p.m. on Sunday, March 3, 2019, at Memorial Medical Center.
Paul was born on April 27, 1949 in Winchester, the son of Hubert Bown and Joan Perry. He married Susan Wolters on February 17, 1979 in Springfield.
Paul graduated from Augustana College in 1971 and was a graduate of the Charter Class of Southern Illinois University School of Law in 1976. He proudly served our country in the U.S. Army. He was a partner at Brown, Hay, & Stephens from 1982-2015, and was currently Senior Counsel. Paul was a member of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Downtown Rotary Club, Illini Country Club and Inns of Court. He was a member of the Sangamon County Bar Association, Illinois Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. He was a member of many ISBA committees, most currently serving on the Committee on Judicial Polling. He most enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren. He enjoyed golfing and running, having logged many miles over his lifetime. He recently was active and took pride in his fight against Parkinson's through the Rock Steady Boxing program. Paul also enjoyed volunteering in the Emergency Room at Memorial Medical Center, Grand Army of The Republic Museum and St. Martin DePorres Center.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Donna Bown.
He is survived by his wife, Susan Bown of Springfield; daughters, Kate (John) Senger and Sarah (Scot) Jacobs, both of Springfield; grandchildren, Nora and Jack Senger and Julia, Emilie, Anna, and Elise Jacobs; siblings, Cliff (Deb) Bown, Rick (Maribeth) Bown, and Carla (Doug) Gibbs; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation: Family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, 2019, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1725 S. Walnut, Springfield with Prayer Service beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Funeral Mass: 9:30 a.m. on Friday, March 8, 2019, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with Rev. Jeff Grant, celebrant.
Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Northwestern University Feinberg Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center, 420 East Superior Street, Arthur J. Rubloff Building, 9th Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60611 or Memorial Medical Center Foundation, 1000 Churchill, Springfield, IL 62702.
The family of Paul Bown is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 South 6th Street, Springfield.
Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Bown
Sponsored by Butler Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center.
Doug Barringer
March 11, 2019
My condolences. Paul was a wonderful gentleman that I had the fortune to work with on his work with the ISBA.
March 9, 2019
To a fellow warrior against a major opponent...you fought the good fight. Godspeed. Glen Aylward
Becky Baietto, RN
March 8, 2019
Your families are in my thoughts and prayers. I had the pleasure of caring for Mr. Bown and his wonderful family- He was a man of strong heart and his family is so loving and gracious. Rest in peace
March 6, 2019
Sue and family,
Please accept by heartfelt condolences for the tragic loss of Paul after his long struggle with Parkinson's. I have had the pleasure to know Paul for decades as a family friend of the Bauns and Wolters. Visiting with Paul was always a highlight of my trips to Springfield. I admired the work he did, his love of his family, his commitment to his community, and the joy he exuded when golfing or doing a range of activities-even if just having a relaxed conversation. He will be greatly missed but fondly remembered.
Keith Henry, MD
White Bear Lake, MN
Judge Byron Cudmore
March 6, 2019
Paul was a true gentleman and an excellent trial attorney. I always enjoyed having Paul in my Court as I knew his side of the case would be presented in a very professional manner - no frills - just good strong analysis. Paul and I were both Barristers in the Lincoln Douglas Inn of Court where we often had candid discussions over glasses of red wine.
Paul will be missed by all who knew and respected him.
Judge Byron Cudmore Retired
Sally & Russ Martin
March 6, 2019
Susan and family. We are so sad and sorry for your loss. Paul was actually one of the last neighbors we saw before departing for Florida in January. He and the dog were outside having a standoff as to where they were going to walk. Paul just smiled and stood his ground.
We are hoping your good memories will help you through this very tough time. Thinking of you. S & R
ellen schanzle-haskins
March 6, 2019
When Paul, Tom and I graduated from law school in the charter class of SIU, we did not realize how our paths would cross for our entire careers. Paul won the coveted appointment to serve as law clerk to respected federal Judge J. Waldo Ackerman and Tom and I soon joined him in the federal family when we moved to the US Attorney's office to prosecute. Paul then joined the oldest law firm in Illinois, Brown, Hay & Stephens where he was an excellent litigator. He married Sue and we volunteered for many community projects through the Junior League. Tom joined Paul at Brown, Hay, moving into the adjacent office. We three were inducted into the Lincoln-Douglas American Inn of Court where we shared many evenings of camaraderie. Paul was thought of as the "reasonable man" at the firm who was always available to help fellow lawyers and associates choose the best path forward in litigation. He was an invaluable law partner and friend and will be sorely missed. Our hearts go out to Sue, Sarah and Kate and your families.
Ellen and Tom Schanzle-Haskins
Carole Scaggs
March 6, 2019
Several years ago I had to testify at a hearing at the courthouse. Mr. Bown helped "prep" me for it. I was so scared & a nervous wreck. He was so kind & helpful. Was right there with me the whole way. So very sorry to hear of his passing. Praying for peace for all of you.
Linda Spencer
March 5, 2019
I am so sorry for your loss...Please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers...Linda Spangler Spencer
March 5, 2019
Our prayers and condolences to Paul's family. He was a fine man and will be well remembered. Ann and Dick Hart
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