On Thursday, July 8, 2021, David Harold Brown III, of Springfield, IL passed away at the age of 72.
David was born on April 23, 1949 in Springfield, IL to David Brown Jr. and Louise (Hill) Brown. He married Mary Ellen Ference on July 19, 1980 at St. Agnes Catholic Church.
David was a graduate of Divernon High School and of the University of Illinois in 1971, earning a Bachelor of Science in Finance. He had owned and operated D.H. Brown Saloon since 1977.
Dave enjoyed playing the first 14 holes of golf at Illini Country Club, or until he lost all the balls in his bag—whichever came sooner. He also loved to root for the Fighting Illini, the St. Louis Cardinals, and the Chicago Bears, but he converted to a Hoosier fan later in his life. Most of all, Dave loved meeting new and interesting people and sharing his quick wit with others at D.H. Brown’s, a place that was the source of fun nights and long-lasting relationships. Dave had a passion for history and spent many hours reading about Ancient Rome, World War II, the Wild West, etc. This passion flavored his taste in movies: he always had an old movie on at home. One of Dave’s favorite activities was attending wrestling matches with two good friends. Furthermore, he volunteered at St. Martin de Porres, SPARC, and the Springfield Art Association.
He was preceded in death by his father and his brother, Charles Frederick Brown.
He is survived by his wife of nearly forty-one years, Mary Ellen Brown of Springfield, IL; mother, Louise H. Brown of Siesta Key, FL; one son, David H. (Sabina) Brown IV of Houston, TX; one daughter, Eileen L. Brown of Springfield, IL; siblings, Thomas G. (Kathy) Brown of O’Fallon, IL, Luann (Henry) Kurth of Sarasota, FL, and Nancy J. Brown of Siesta Key, FL; an aunt and uncle; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his dog, Rico.
David will be laid to rest in a private ceremony on Saturday, July 17, 2021. That same day, the family will host a Celebration of Life from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. at D.H. Brown Saloon, 231 East Monroe Street, Springfield, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Martin de Porres, P.O. Box 2571, Springfield, IL 62708; SPARC, 232 Bruns Lane, Springfield, IL 62702; or Springfield Art Association, 700 North 4th Street, Springfield, IL 62702.
The family wishes to express many thanks to the nurses and staff at Regency Care, 2120 West Washington Street, Springfield, IL.
The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home—Springfield, 900 South 6th Street, Springfield, IL.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David Harold Brown III please visit our Tribute Store.
- Donnie Elgin - Wednesday, Jul 14, 21 @ 1:33 pm:
Sound like a very decent man; he also
had a unique economic forecasting tool…
“I have my ‘five-dollar bill’ theory,” Brown said. “We start out with a few hundred five-dollar bills on a Friday night, and when times are good, at the end of the night we run out because we’ve given change for the twenties and fifties.
“When times are bad, I’ll end up with more five-dollar bills at the end of the night,” Brown said. “The system works pretty well, and sometimes it starts happening three or four months before we are officially declaring a recession.”
- So_Ill - Wednesday, Jul 14, 21 @ 3:19 pm:
A good guy. RIP
- Quzzical - Wednesday, Jul 14, 21 @ 3:30 pm:
I can confirm that he ran the friendliest place in town. Brown’s was a great place to go alone or with a crowd.
- Big Red - Wednesday, Jul 14, 21 @ 3:47 pm:
Great guy, great bar. He always had a smile on his face and ready to chat.
- chijeep - Wednesday, Jul 14, 21 @ 3:48 pm:
Thanks for running the obit. Dave was a true gentleman and ran a legendary establishment. He passed away far too soon. God rest his soul.
- Old Lobster - Wednesday, Jul 14, 21 @ 3:53 pm:
A good friend of 40 years. He ran a great saloon. He was smart, witty, well read, and a great guy on the golf course. I shall miss him.