Elbert Leon Kimbrough obit

Elbert Leon Kimbrough

 

He was not on the list.

Elbert Leon Kimbrough, 87, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026, surrounded by family.

Born on March 24, 1938, in Galesburg, Illinois, Elbert grew up alongside his twin brother, Albert. From an early age, he was a gifted athlete and later achieved recognition and success in the world of professional sports.

However, Elbert’s greatest love and devotion were to his Creator and Heavenly Father, Jehovah. He was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1967 and remained steadfast in his faith. He regarded his service to Jehovah as his greatest accomplishment.

On August 23, 1959, Elbert married his childhood sweetheart, Sherri Lynn Jackson. They shared a devoted marriage and celebrated 50 years together in 2009 before her passing.

Elbert lived for many years in Oakland and Fremont, California, as well as Paterson, New Jersey. After his football career, he worked as a businessman, insurance agent, and entrepreneur. In retirement, he continued giving back by serving as a substitute teacher.

Elbert was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys and Raymond Kimbrough; and his siblings Nancy Kimbrough, Laura Ann (Kimbrough) Bryant, Lois Kimbrough, Raymond “John” Kimbrough, Jr., Kenneth Kimbrough, and Albert Kimbrough.

He is survived by his sister, Patricia (Michael) Coleman; his children Brant (Maudellyn) Kimbrough, Dee Dee Kimbrough, Channing Kimbrough, Whitney Kimbrough, and Amber Kimbrough (Robert Zaremba); eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 201 N. Linwood Rd., Galesburg, IL.

Career information

High school     Galesburg (IL)

College            Northwestern

NFL draft        1961: 2nd round, 18th overall pick

AFL draft        1961: 4th round, 29th overall pick

Career history

Los Angeles Rams (1961)

San Francisco 49ers (1962–1966)

New Orleans Saints (1968)

Awards and highlights

First-team All-Big Ten (1960)

Second-team All-Big Ten (1959)

Career NFL statistics

Interceptions    9

Fumble recoveries       8

Sacks   2.0