Merle Dean "Merle" Brown
July 1, 1919 — June 5, 2008
Merle Dean Brown, 88, of Manchester, Iowa died Thursday, June 5, 2008 at the Vinton Lutheran Home, Vinton, Iowa after a short illness.
Merle was born July 1, 1919 in Oneida Township to Charles E. and Ada (Wilfong) Brown. Merle attended school at Delaware and graduated from Delhi High School. He served in the United States Army during WWII from 1942 ?" 1946 with the 103 Infantry Division as a Medic, being decorated with the Purple Heart, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two bronze battle stars, American Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. Following discharge from the Army, he returned to the family farm and farmed with his parents and siblings.
Merle was a member of the Manchester American Legion and Delaware County Dairy Association. He enjoyed driving his Oliver tractor and took much pride in his dairy cattle. He also enjoyed playing golf, fishing, baseball, and playing basketball as a youth. Kids were a highlight in his life and they always got a candy bar before they left. His dogs were his constant companion.
Merle was a special uncle to his surviving nephews, Robert Brown (Jeannie Keiper) of Shellsburg, IA, Gary (Sandi) Brown of Merced, CA, and Brad (Lori) Brown of Nevada, IA; great-nieces and great-nephews; great-great nieces and great-great-nephews. His special friends were the Gary and Marilyn Smith family of Manchester.
Merle was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Ada Brown; two brothers, Harry Brown and Ralph Brown; two sisters, Ava Brown and Wilma Brown, a sister-in-law, Mrs. Ralph (Laurel) Brown; a niece, Barbara Brown; and a great-great nephew, Ryan Wichhart.
Merle was born July 1, 1919 in Oneida Township to Charles E. and Ada (Wilfong) Brown. Merle attended school at Delaware and graduated from Delhi High School. He served in the United States Army during WWII from 1942 ?" 1946 with the 103 Infantry Division as a Medic, being decorated with the Purple Heart, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two bronze battle stars, American Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. Following discharge from the Army, he returned to the family farm and farmed with his parents and siblings.
Merle was a member of the Manchester American Legion and Delaware County Dairy Association. He enjoyed driving his Oliver tractor and took much pride in his dairy cattle. He also enjoyed playing golf, fishing, baseball, and playing basketball as a youth. Kids were a highlight in his life and they always got a candy bar before they left. His dogs were his constant companion.
Merle was a special uncle to his surviving nephews, Robert Brown (Jeannie Keiper) of Shellsburg, IA, Gary (Sandi) Brown of Merced, CA, and Brad (Lori) Brown of Nevada, IA; great-nieces and great-nephews; great-great nieces and great-great-nephews. His special friends were the Gary and Marilyn Smith family of Manchester.
Merle was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Ada Brown; two brothers, Harry Brown and Ralph Brown; two sisters, Ava Brown and Wilma Brown, a sister-in-law, Mrs. Ralph (Laurel) Brown; a niece, Barbara Brown; and a great-great nephew, Ryan Wichhart.
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