"We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the Brown Family. We met Wayne and Jerry here in Mesa Regal many years ago. Marvin worked along side Wayne at the Chili Supper here at the park hosted by the Vet's Club. Wayne spent many hours preparing for this annual event and was proud to announce each year that it was a "sold out" event. God Bless you and grant you peace and comfort as you celebrate the lives of Wayne and Jerry. Marvin and Agnes Thum Mesa Regal Resort Mesa, AZ "
In loving memory of
Wayne A. Brown
August 12, 1923 - December 28, 2017
Wayne A. Brown, 94, of Marshalltown, IA, and Mesa, AZ, passed away peacefully in his Mesa home December 28, 2017. Funeral services will be held Friday, January 12, 2018, at 11:00 a.m., at Anderson Funeral Homes, 405 W. Main Street in Marshalltown. A visitation will be held Thursday, January 11, 2018, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Anderson Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.
Wayne was born August 12, 1923, in Marshalltown. The oldest son of Raymond and Mabel (Legg) Brown, he grew up on a farm north of town and graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1941. He worked on the family farm before joining the Army in 1943. He proudly served with the 4th Infantry Division in WWII and was a part of the Normandy Campaign, the Hurtgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. Wayne received several medals including three Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars, and the most coveted for an Infantry man, The Combat Infantry Badge. Wayne returned home and married his sweetheart, Lois Jerry Sutherland, on July 26, 1945. He enjoyed farming for 19 years until a back injury forced him off the farm. He spent the next 20 plus years working for the Marshalltown Water Works and as bookkeeper at McCubbin Seed Farm. Upon retirement, Wayne and Jerry spent the next 27 years wintering in Mesa, AZ. They both enjoyed the warm weather and made many good friends in the Mesa area. He continued his love of bowling and took up Rolle Bolle. Wayne will be remembered as a devoted husband and a loving father and grandpa. He was friends with everyone he met and truly knew no strangers. He was a member of Albion Methodist Church. He was a very proud Veteran and a life member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the Hawkeye Chapter of the Battle of the Bulge. He was active in the 4th Infantry Division Association for which he acted as National Treasurer for 21 years and attended annual reunions for over 50 years. Wayne spent his entire life living by the 4th Division motto, Steadfast and Loyal.
Wayne is survived by three children, Candy (Darrell) Baker, Stephen (Jenny) Brown of Marshalltown, and Cristie (Phill Loersch) Brown-Gillibrand of Chandler, AZ. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Laura (Chip) Baker-Thomas, Melanie (Caryn) Brown and Amy (Beka) Brown; eight great grandchildren, Dana, Kayla, Mason, Nick, Jack, Kobi, Seton, and Richie, and three great great grandchildren, Maddie, Meredith, and Leilani. Also surviving is a sister, Shirley Martin, of Albion, IA. Wayne was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Jerry, on December 31, 2016, grandson Wade Baker, two brothers in infancy, brother Lyle Brown, sister Gretchen Owen, and son-in-law Jim Gillibrand.
Tributes
"Our memories of Wayne and his family go back to our childhoods. The Browns were strong members of the Albion United Methodist Church and friends of our parents, Kenneth and Margaret Howard, and later, as our school districts changed, the "Brown Kids" were part of our school bus route. Please know that "the Howard Kids" respected both Wayne and Jerry, and we know how great your loss is. Lorraine Howard Schultz and Kathy Howard Rand"
"I worked at the water works with Wayne for a few years then he retired ... He was a joy to know He always had some thing going "
"We were honored to know Wayne. Knowing this very special man enhanced our lives, and we will miss him. Our deepest sympathy to his family. Lloyd, Loretta & Eric Kantor"
"I am writing for my mother Eva Morgart who along with my father, also a Wayne, were long time friends with Wayne dating back to high school years. They took credit of introducing Gerry and Wayne to each other which became a lifelong friendship through marriage. Mom has always spoken highly of them, and now that both have passed, we know they will join Dad in looking for a fourth to have a game of 500. Candy thank you so much for taking your father to visit Mom last fall. She so appreciated that and the memory will be with her forever."
"I am so sad that my buddy Wayne has left us. I know he is happy to be with Jerry in Heaven. I first meet Wayne at the Mesa Regal RV resort in Mesa, Arizona. They had a veterans club at the resort. I showed up for the my first meeting in January 2011. Wayne was so happy that a person who served with the 4th Infantry Divison was at the meeting. He said, "finally another guy from the 4th Infantry". I attended my first 4th Inf Div reunion because of Wayne. Wayne and his wife Jerry were special people. I will miss Wayne a lot. Slow hand salute for this warrior from WWII. Peace, Keith. 4th Inf Div Vietnam 1970. Previous Mesa Regal RV resort resident for 6 season. "
"Wayne was a wonderful human being. His marriage was one to try and mimic. I have known this man my entire life and he is one of the most sincere, honest, caring humans to ever walk this earth. If only every person cared as much for their family and country as Wayne we would be in a much better place. My heart goes out to his family and friends. Losing direct contact with such a fine individual is a huge loss. We all know he will be reunited with the love of his life in heaven and they both can be together forever. His nephew, Tim Sutherland"
"To Candy, Steve,Chris and families We are so very sorry to hear the loss of a very special loved one, Wayne Brown. He was a very special man in some many ways, a great family man and served his country with honors. You all have our deepest sympathy and prayers. god bless you all. Ron and Bev Carlson and family"
"We are so sorry to lose another of our heroes, Wayne Brown. He was one of the kindest, friendliest people we have had the honor of knowing. He was a member of the Illinois Chapter, National 4th Infantry Division Association and loved dearly by all who knew him. Both Wayne and Gerry were icons of the Reunions and great fun to visit withboth will hold a special place in our hearts. Prayers to the entire family as you lay Wayne to rest with his beautiful wife. We will never forget them. Bruce and Sue Gass, Illinois Chapter President, National 4th Infantry Division Association."
"World War II,,,,The War in Europe and the Battle of the Bulge,,,Three Purple Hearts,,,Wayne and Jerry were part of the Greatest Generation that lived through the Great Depression and World War II,,,We enjoyed Wayne and his Wife Jerry, his Son Steve and Daughter Candy and Granddaughter Laura at our Meetings of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and Wayne was our Last World War II Veteran...He is a Hero that will always be remembered by his Combat Wounded Brothers....Tony Polich, Dave Bayless, Bud Beveridge, Duane Zimmerman, Paul Pickart, Randy Meier, Bill Campbell, Charlotte Dozoryst, Al Flyr, Gary Rebel, Robert Suesakul"
"I am a better man having known Wayne Brown. All that he went through for our freedoms that we have today is something that I do not take lightly. A living history of the 4th Infantry Division during its most trying times in history will never be forgotten. It was a Honor to have met his family during the Reunion at Colorado Springs/Ft. Carson. May God grant the Peace that only He can during times like this. Rest In Honored Peace my Brother. Steadfast And Loyal Rich Blackaby VP 4th Infantry Division Association, Ironhorse Chapter "
"Wayne Brown, and his wife, Jerry, were great friends and supporters of the veterans of the National 4th Infantry Division and the active duty 4th Infantry Division. I met Wayne and Jerry at my first reunion in 1991 and have worked closely with him when he was our national treasurer and I was the president. There were no finer people than Wayne and Jerry. Both of them are sorely missed and can be counted as great American patriots. Steadfast and Loyal. Bob Babcock - Immediate Past President/Historian, National 4th Infantry Division Association"