Louis Franklin Browning

Louis Franklin Browning, 101, of Galesburg, went home to be with the Lord at 7:45 p.m. Sunday, May 31, 2015 in Seminary Manor, where he received excellent care his last few days.

He was born August 28, 1913 in Lake Forest, Cook County, Illinois, to Albert and Myrtle Hanson Browning, the second of their six sons. After graduating from Libertyville High School in 1932, he attended Illinois State Normal University, where he graduated in 1937 with a Bachelor’s of Education Degree in Science Education. Most of his 36 years of teaching were at AlWood High School in Woodhull.

Louis married Elizabeth Jones on June 1, 1940 and together they raised five children, Dave (Phyllis) of Brooksville, Florida, Jim (Jean) of Galesburg, Beth (Paul) Gove of Hillsborough, North Carolina, John (Susan) of Colona, and Stanton (Viv) of Peoria. Also surviving is Carol Browning of Sherrard, who is the mother of two of his 15 granchildren. There are also 10 great grandchildren surviving. Louis’ dear wife, Elizabeth, passed away on January 2, 2009.

Louis and Elizabeth built their house in Alpha and lived there 60 years. An active member of Alpha Baptist Church, he taught adult Sunday school class for many years and also served terms as trustee and deacon. Louis served as Alpha Township Clerk and Treasurer of the Village of Alpha. With Elizabeth, he helped with Meals on Wheels.

Camping was their favorite vacation mode and over the course of time, they toured nearly every state, including Alaska. Along the way, they visited friends and family and also made many new friends.

Louis was a resident of Seminary Estates in Galesburg for 10 years and found the staff friendly, helpful, and competent. He made many friends and enjoyed participating in Tuesday Bible study and the many other activities provided. First Baptist Church of Galesburg became his home church, where he attended regularly.

Louis was not only known for enriching his students, family, and friends with knowledge, but for teaching compassion and kindness to all those with whom he had contact. His calm demeanor,entertaining wit, and love for all people were evident and left a lasting impression. After 101 years on this Earth, he still enjoyed travel and exploration, never ceasing to learn and to teach. But most of all, his relationship with Jesus, his Savior, was a ceaseless inspiration to those who knew him best. The world is a richer place for having him, and his legacy can be seen in his family, his friends, and in the hundreds of students whose lives he touched.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at First Baptist Church of Galesburg. Rev. Daniel Siems will officiate. Louis’ body will be interred beside that of his beloved wife, Elizabeth in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.