Eugene C. “Gene” Brown, 86, passed away Wednesday, March 31, 2021. He was born Sept. 23, 1934, in Johnston to Andrew and Mary (McDivitt) Brown. Gene married Shirley J. Brooks on Oct. 30, 1957, in Des Moines.
Gene proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy and Air National Guard retiring from both. He went on to retire from the USPS and recently received his 60-Year Union Pin. Gene was a scout leader and loved the outdoors. Together with Shirley, they spent three winters volunteering at a wildlife refuge in Arizona. Gene loved the state fair and spent 20 years as a building supervisor at Shopper’s Mart West. In addition to his love of nature and the fair, he enjoyed traveling, camping, building and woodworking.
He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Shirley; children, Carla (David) Kania, Julie Huff, Pamela (Frank) Davenport and Mike (Ann) Brown; 11 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and brother, Robert (Darlene) Brown. Gene was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Dorothy Wisecup, Wilma Kress and Betty Rogers.
A celebration of life will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 10 at Berean Church, 5299 E. University Ave., Pleasant Hill, with a visitation one hour prior to the service. We respectfully request guests wear masks and practice social distancing. The service will be available to view at the Berean website.
Memorials may be directed to the family for a cause close to Gene’s heart.
Condolences may be expressed at HamiltonsFuneralHome.com