Brian Thomas Bounds, a fifth-generation farmer from Fairbury, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. He was 60 years old.
Born on April 14, 1965, in Fairbury, Brian was the son of Thomas L. and Jane Rieger Bounds. He graduated from Forrest-Strawn-Wing High School in 1983 and earned a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Illinois in 1987.
In 1991, Brian began his career in agriculture as a District Sales Manager for Agrigold Seed while working part-time on his family’s farm. By 1996, he had transitioned to full-time farming with his father, Tom, continuing the family legacy of agriculture.
Outside of his farming endeavors, Brian was an avid fisherman who cherished trips to Canada with close friends and family. He also enjoyed spending time by the pool with his loved ones, often relaxing with a Hefeweizen in hand.
Brian is survived by his wife, Rebecca Weber, whom he married on August 3, 1991; their children, Trent (Kylie) Bounds of Fairbury, Addison (Chloe) Bounds of Denver, Colorado, and Maddie Bounds of Nashville, Tennessee; and four grandchildren: Trip, Vivienne, Beau, and Callahan Bounds. He is also survived by his parents, Thomas and Jane Bounds; his brother, Clint (Tanya) Bounds of Bloomington, Illinois; and his sister, Jennifer (David) Komor of St. Louis, Missouri.
A private family gathering was held at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home in Fairbury on Saturday, June 7, 2025. A public Celebration of Life was held on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Emancipation Brewing Company in Fairbury. The family requested that memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the American Cancer Society.
Brian’s passing marks the end of a significant chapter in the agricultural history of Fairbury. His dedication to farming and his family has left a lasting legacy in the community.
