Thomas "Gene" Brown

Thomas “Gene” Brown, 87, of Warren Township, passed away Thursday August 8, 2019 at his home.  He was born February 10, 1932 in Jewell Ridge, VA to the late William and Gertrude Brown. He was born at seven months gestation and weighed a mere one and a half pounds at birth.  He was so tiny he slept in a shoe box for many weeks.  When Gene was 14, he worked in the coal mines in Virginia.  He met the love of his life when he was seven years old and Jean was five.  He told everyone he was going to marry her, and 13 years later he was true to his word.  Gene asked Jean on their first date and by the third date asked her to marry him. Gene worked as a Brakeman for  River Terminal Railroad for 24 years until he retired in 1973.  He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #650 Roosevelt in Cleveland, Ohio.  He loved to fish, hunt, and play a mean game of Canasta, but his greatest joy was talking and spending time with his family.  He was a very musical man specializing in banjo, guitar, mandolin, and harmonica. Gene was responsible for leading many people to Jesus Christ and preaching His Word for his entire life.

He will be sadly missed by his loving wife, Jean (nee Stanley) Brown whom he was married to for 66 years, daughters, Vicky (Frank) Farmer of Warren, Debbie (David) Shilling of Warren, Herb (Donna) Brown of Mesopotamia, daughter in law, Lynn Brown of Middlefield, 15 grandchildren Danny (Dana), Leslie (Dennis), Jamie (Mike), Melissa (Jim), Rachel (Brandon), Sondra (Kevin), Haley (Andrew), Faith, Olivia, Tabitha (Mike), T.J., Nick, Jessica, Holly (AJ), and Josh (Melanie).  Gene had 22 great- grandchildren, Damien, Samantha, Marena, Auburne, Logan, Gabby, Lauren, Hannah, Hunter, Luke, Zoey, Bryce, Landon, Wyatt, Karson, Jack, Mackenzie, Alexis, Kaleb, Kaden, Jordyn, and Morgan.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, David “Ricky” Brown, who died February 25, 2011, 4 brothers, and 3 sisters. 

Calling hours will be held from 1:00-3:00 and 5:00-7:00 PM Sunday, August 11, 2019 at Sly Family Funeral Home, 15670 W. High St. Middlefield, OH 44062.  A Celebration of his life will be held at 12:00 PM Monday, August 12, 2019 at the Funeral Home, with Pastor Bill Carter officiating.  Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Mesopotamia, Ohio following the services.  

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