Gilbert Nelson Brown, 87, Belleville, died peacefully on Monday, December 27, 2021, at home surrounded by family.

He was born in New York City on December 24, 1934. He graduated from Christopher Columbus High School in 1952. In his younger years he was employed by the New York Post, Yankee Stadium, and New York Central Railroad. Gilbert continued his education at Missouri University of Science and Technology and was inducted into Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity in 1953. He obtained his Bachelors’ Degree in Petroleum Engineering in 1959. Gilbert began his career as a gas engineer with Texas Gas Transmission Company, then spent six years at Kokomo Indiana Gas & Fuel from 1961-1966, followed by 29 years at Central Illinois Public Service Company from 1966-1995.  He served in the US Army Reserves 721st Railroad Battalion from 1957-1963.

Gilbert was a musician and he and his wife, Delores taught ballroom dancing for Lincoln Land Community College.  Gilbert enjoyed researching ancestry, boating, baseball, and was a St. Louis Cardinals fan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Albert Nelson Brown and Clara Brown (nee Schaluck).

He is survived by his beloved wife; Delores Brown (nee Hanna), two children; Michael William (Valerie) Brown of O’Fallon, and James Nelson Brown of Belleville; two grandchildren, Claire Kathryn Brown of Nashville, TN and Carter Harrison Brown of O’Fallon.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, at First Baptist Church of O’Fallon with the Rev. Skip Leininger and Pastor Doug Munton officiating. Burial was at O’Fallon City Cemetery with military honors.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of O’Fallon, 1111 E. Hwy 50, O’Fallon, IL 62269; or to https://fbcofallon.org/give. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.schildknechtfh.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home.