Ernest Darick Brown

Born on April 8, 1956 in Pontiac, Michigan to Mattie Moore (mother) and John Brown (father) both preceded him in death. Ernest grew up with 11 siblings. He is preceded in death by Vivian Reed(deceased), Kessler (Mickey) Logan (deceased), John Logan (deceased), Anthony (Tony) Logan (deceased), ... He is survived by Victoria (Vicky) Handy, Keith (Sonny) Logan, Leonard (Chester) Logan, James Logan,Robert Martin, and Melba Brown... He was also a dedicated and loving father to his 8 children: LaShinkii Denise, Jessica Danielle,Olivia Danielle, Michelle Joella, Ernest John, Evertt Christopher, Tyrek Corde, and Kingsely Joseph. Along with 7 grandchildren: Danillie Evelyna, Jay’Ceon Rashad, Layla Renee, Royles Solomon, Tyrek Corde Jr, Delilah Rae,Onyx La'Keith and one great grandchild Leyomi Denise.

Ernie relentlessly dedicated service before self as a United States Navy Retiree (20 years of honorable service), Retired Lake County Sheriff's Department Corrections Officer (20 Years), Mep Com Security Officer (12 Years), Waukegan Dream Believe Become (DBB) Boxing Gym & Angel’s Boxing Academy known famously as “Coach Ernie.”

Ernie was a man of many titles; husband (wife: Antoinette), father, friend, mentor and he was also a man with a plethora of accomplishments and awards for his sacrifice and service to the community. During Ernie's service within the United States Navy he was awarded; Fourth Navy Good Conduct Medal for period ending May 1, 1991, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal (W/Star), Kuwait Liberation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (W/Star), Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon (W/Star). In addition, Naval Station Boxing Team (1976-1979), U.S. Navy Midway Island Boxing Heavyweight Champion (1981), and Fisher House Award Recipient. Ernie also went on to earn induction into the Illinois Boxing Hall of Fame (2017), National Boxing Hall of Fame (2020), Hero’s for Champions Wall of Fame (2022), Indiana Boxing Hall of Fame (2023), the Humanitarian Award from Rochester Hall of Fame (2023), and Lifetime membership at the International Boxing Hall of Fame (Super Heavyweight).

Ernie's legacy continues to live on through each of us. Ernie prided himself on selflessness, laughter, and love. Ernie “Big E'' Brown lived a meaningful and impactful life. His mentorship and guidance aided in him coaching three Chicago Golden Glove Champions. Ernie's aura and presence touched numerous people he crossed paths with. With over 40 years in boxing; there was never a dull moment for Ernie Brown. Some people will go a lifetime and wonder if they made a difference but Ernie Brown surely did not have that problem.

Your family, friends, and loved ones will all miss you but you will live on in our hearts and minds till we meet again. Rest in Peace.

Visitation will be held at Marsh Funeral Home, 305 Cemetery Road, Gurnee, IL 60031, December 21, 2023, 5pm – 8pm. Memorial service will be held at Marsh Funeral Home December 22, 2023,10:00am-1:30 pm. Followed by burial services at Mt Olivet Memorial Park, 1436 Kenosha Rd, Zion, IL 60099.