LEXINGTON, Ohio: Russ Brown always looked on the bright side of life. In so doing, he made the world of others look brighter. His personality was upbeat, his attitude was positive, and his smile was infectious. An optimistic character, combined with a wonderful sense of humor, resulted in a warm and loving husband, dad, “Papaw” and friend who will be remembered as an encourager.
Russ went to be with the Lord Saturday afternoon December 20, 2014 from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. He was 79.
Born December 7, 1935 to parents Frank and Lizzie (Van Hoose) Brown in the hills near River, Kentucky, Russ graduated from Springfield High School in 1955. Self described as a “Hollywood Marine” he served three years with the U.S. Marine Corps, stationed at Twentynine Palms, CA. He moved his family to Mansfield in 1964 to accept the position of store manager of the former Albers Supermarket on Park Avenue West. He always wanted his own grocery store, and in 1979 purchased Armstrong’s Market in Lexington and operated Brown’s Cardinal Market until 1984. He worked as a meat cutter with Neff’s, and later as a food broker canvassing Ohio for both Sugardale Foods and SELL, Inc.
Though retired as a food broker, his greatest job – his legacy – was championing his children and grandchildren. He was their biggest cheerleader…never missing a game. He coached Friendly House basketball, Lexington Little League and flag football. Russ nurtured unconditional love and support for his family, they include his high school sweetheart and wife Carleen (Pape) Brown, whom he married March 16, 1957; their children Josh (Betty) Brown of Lexington and Josie (Bill) Good of Worthington; grandchildren Andrew (Ashley) Brown of Aurora, Colorado, Rhiannon Brown of Lexington, Allison Good, Will Good and Grace Good all of Worthington; a sister Lorraine Ross of Lima and a brother Marshall ( Kathleen) Brown of Springfield; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers Frank Jr “Hylo” Brown and Marvin Brown, and a sister Flo Bailey.
Russ led Webelos, had been active in Fremont Jaycees, was a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge, and enjoyed planting a vegetable garden each year. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, where he formerly served on church council and as church secretary.
The Brown family will receive friends Friday, December 26, 2014 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home, where his funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. The Rev. Marilou Brook will officiate. Military honors will follow the funeral service on the grounds of the funeral home. A service of committal will be held in the chapel of the Ferncliff Cemetery in Springfield, Saturday, December 27, 2014 at 11 a.m., where interment will follow.
Memorial contributions to Christ Lutheran Church, the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association may be made at the funeral home.
Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Brown family, and messages of sympathy and support may be made to the online at: SnyderFuneralHomes.com
