Sepia Saturday

Sepia Saturday

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Kenneth Clair Brown, 1916-2011

My uncle, Kenneth Brown, passed away this past week and his funeral was Thursday. I have so many photos of him looking dapper and leaning against things. He liked to have his picture taken with cars.
This photo was taken at the original farm place of my great grandfather Cyrus Wheeler.


Kenneth Brown was born in November of 1917.  He is standing here with his sister, my mom, Zella Brown born in January 1919.  I didn't realize they were so close to the same age, but they were born 2 years and two months apart from each other. They had one older brother who was Marvin Brown.

Sylvia Cervenka and Kenneth Brown married in 1946

Kenneth grew up in the Lorimor, Macksburg area and eventually ended up in the Murray, Iowa area.  He left as a young adult to travel to California where he worked on B 24 bombers.  He was drafted into the army and served four years.  After his service he returned to California to work. Marriage followed and returning to Iowa where his wife and he had three sons.


His family grew as his three sons, Robert, Don and Gene, all married.  When he passed away he had five grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.


He farmed at first when he returned to Iowa and then later took a job at a Farm and Home store in Osceola, working hard for the business for 18 years.  He and his wife moved to Murray, from off of the farm, in 1975.

I will always remember him as kind and gentle.  He loved all of his family and was proud of them.  He probably was the one who most resembled the character of my Grandmother, his mother, with his positive attitude, friendliness  and work ethic. He lost his wife almost 11 years ago after she had become ill.  He took such great care of her at home for some time and was such a devoted husband.

The town of Murray will miss him as he had become a great member of the community and the church.  He is the last of the three children of LeRoy and Mabel Wheeler Brown.

Check out the other bloggers who are participating in Sepia Saturday from all over the world.

12 comments:

Unknown said...

He does indeed sound like a fine man. It is great that you have that progression of pictures of him. That car in the first one is a doozy. The old farm house brings back memories to me also of my grandparents home. Great post.
QMM

Bob Scotney said...

Mt condolences Larry. A interesting man. That John Deere tractor brought back some farming memories but I had more fun as a schoolboy helping with the harvest on a beat-up old Fordson back in the 1950s.

Little Nell said...

What a wonderful memorial to your uncle.

tony said...

I Am Sorry To Hear Of Your Loss.Kenneth Looks A Handsome & Kind Man.Thank You For Sharing These Photos Of Him.Regards From Tony.

Brett Payne said...

I like that old car - thanks for sharing these photos.

MuseSwings said...

A very fine man indeed! Thank you for this nice tribute - I am sorry for your loss.

Alan Burnett said...

Nice one Larry. I hope when my time comes someone will pen something as appreciative and as well written as this.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful tribute to your Uncle Kenny, Larry. My deepest sympathy to you and his large family in your loss.

Mike Brubaker said...

A fine tribute. Thank you.

Jen (emsun.org) said...

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. He sounds like an amazing man and I am grateful that you shared the pictures with me.

Sr Crystal Mary Lindsey said...

Hello Larry, What a wonderful story and a great Uncle, I am sure you will miss him. Its so great to look back and remember.We should never forget. Have a great day friend. Crystal Mary

Far Side of Fifty said...

This is a great post and tribute to your uncle! :)