Ernest Darick Brown of Zion, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at the age of 67.
Ernie “Big E” Brown died on December 12, 2023, at the age of 67. Ernie was born on April 8, 1956, in Pontiac, Michigan. Ernie retired from the United States Navy after twenty years of honorable service. During Ernie’s service, he was awarded the Fourth Navy Good Conduct Medal for the period ending May 1, 1991, the 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, he was a member of the Naval Station Boxing Team (1976-1979), won the U.S. Navy Midway Island Boxing Heavyweight Championship in 1981, and was a Fisher House Award Recipient. As a civilian, he spent twenty years in the Lake County Sheriff’s Department as a Corrections Officer and twelve years as a Mep Com Security Officer. He was involved in the 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, and mentor, and he was also a man with many accomplishments and awards for his sacrifice and service to the community. 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 prided himself on selflessness, laughter, and love. Ernie 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, Ernie Brown never had a dull moment. Some people will go a lifetime and wonder if they made a difference, but Ernie Brown surely did not have that problem.
Ernie’s mother, Mattie Moore, and father, John Brown, preceded him in death. Ernest grew up with eleven siblings. He is preceded in death by Vivian Reed (deceased), Kessler (Mickey) Logan (deceased), John Logan (deceased), and Anthony (Tony) Logan (deceased). Victoria (Vicky) Handy survives him, Keith (Sonny) Logan, Leonard (Chester) Logan, James Logan, Robert Martin, and Melba Brown. He was also a dedicated and loving father to his eight children: LaShinkii Denise, Jessica Danielle, Olivia Danielle, Michelle Joella, Ernest John, Evertt Christopher, Tyrek Corde, and Kingsely Joseph, along with seven grandchildren: Danillie Evelyna, Jay’Ceon Rashad, Layla Renee, Royles Solomon, Tyrek Corde Jr, Delilah Rae, Onyx La’Keith, and one great-grandchild Leyomi Denise.