William B. Browder

BROWDER - William B. Browder, died peacefully on Tuesday, February 3, 2009 of complications from Alzheimer's at the age of 92. A former resident of Wilmette, Illinois for 62 years, Mr. Browder died in Sierra Madre, CA his home since 2005. Born in Urbana, Illinois in 1916, Mr. Browder graduated from the University of Illinois in 1938, and received his law degree in 1941. He served as an attorney for the Illinois Central R.R. from 1941 until 1947, and then as Sr. Vise President, Secretary, General Counsel and director of Union Tank Car Co, and it's holding company the former Trans Union Corporation, until 1981. Mr. Browder served the broader Chicago community as: a member of the Citizens Committee To Study Police-Community Relations in Chicago 1966-67; President of the Chicago Crime Commission 1965-67; a member of the Illinois Racing Board 1973-74; member of the Illinois Board of Higher Education 1975-91, and chairman 1979-91; life trustee of the YMCA, University of Illinois 1966-2009, board of directors 1973-79 and member of the presidents council 1974-2009; member of Illinois Governor's Task Force on Private Sector Initiatives 1983-86; member of Illinois Governor's Commission on Science and Technology 1983-87; and member of Illinois Gaming Board 1993-99. A member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Wilmette for over 60 years, Mr. Browder served on almost every committee and commission, was lay leader twice and chaired the Board of Trustees for 12 years. A Personal highlight for Mr. Browder was sharing the podium with The Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. on March 14, 1965, Dr. King was the speaker at the Chicago Sunday Evening Club, and Mr. Browder shared a brief statement of his "Living Philosophy." Mr. Browder's wife of 41 years, Mary Bain Lehmann Browder passed away in 1984. He is survived by his second wife of 24 years, Betty Moomau Browder; his son, David S. Browder; his daughter, Wendy E. Browder; four grandchildren, Emily Browder, Sarah Browder Venkatesh, Rebecca Drees Coyne and J. David Drees; three great-grandchildren; two step-sons Scott C.F. Kennedy and James H. Kennedy; and two step-grandsons, Lee Kennedy and Naresh Kennedy. Another daughter, Amy S. Browder, predeceased him in 1983. He was loved by all who knew him, and will be sorely missed. Funeral services, officiated by the retired Reverend Richard J. Anderson, were held in Sierra Madre, California where Mr. Browder was interred. Donations can be made to Alzheimer's Association Southland. Call 1.800.272.3900