Rex Ellis BROWN

BROWN, SMITH, CLARK, MOLT, MATTESON, EDMONSON, NORRIS, STERMOLE

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 12/22/2009 at 23:55:49

Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
December 16, 2009

OBITUARY - REX ELLIS BROWN

28 Dec 1919 - December 9, 2009

Rex Ellis BROWN was born on December 28, 1919 to Allie and Hazel BROWN of rural Blockton, Iowa. Rex left his earthly home on December 9, 2009.

He was raised on a farm north of Blockton. Rex joined the U.S. Army in 1942 during WW II. Rex served in the European-Africa-Middle Eastern Theatre Campaign where he earned four bronze stars and a good conduct medal from the Army. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army on June 22, 1945.

Rex returned to Iowa and married Bernice Alma SMITH on January 22, 1946 where they settled on a farm north of Blockton. To this union six children were born, Richard, Donald, Patricia, Shirley, Rex and Steven.

After retiring from the farm, Rex and Bernice enjoyed spending the winter months in Phoenix, Arizona. Rex enjoyed buying and selling at flea markets in Phoenix and around the midwest where he met many, many friends. He also enjoyed gardening, taking drives in the country, and spending time with his family in Arizona and Iowa. He also liked feeding and watching the squirrels and rabbits in the back yard. Rex was a 63-year member of the American Legion Post #443, Blockton and a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans. Rex was a wonderful husband and loving father and grandfather and will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Bernice, of 63 years; four children, Richard (Joyce) BROWN, Donald (Janet) BROWN, Patricia (Bob) CLARK and Shirley (Delbert) MOLT; nine grandchildren, Jason BROWN, Alisha MATTESON, Lee BROWN, Carrie EDMONSON, Rob CLARK, Troy CLARK, Robin CLARK, Rob MOLT and Nicole MOLT; 10 great-grandchildren; a brother, Laverne (Annabel) BROWN; sister-in-law, Jodene BROWN, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Rex is preceded in death by his sons, Rex Eugene and Steven Ray; his parents; two sisters, Mildred NORRIS and Maona STERMOLE, and two brothers, Kenneth and Elton BROWN.

A memorial fund has been established in his name to be decided later. Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr was in charge of the services. Services were conducted at the Christian church in Blockton on Monday, December 14, 2009, with Rev. Scott MARCUM officiating, Musician was Jodi LAWRENCE.

Casket bearers were Jerry BROWN, Danny BROWN, Harold Dean NORRIS, Lee BROWN, Jason BROWN and Bill FARRELL.

Honorary pallbearers were Tom BROWN, Troy CLARK, Rob CLARK, Rob MOLT, Paul CAMPBELL and Gary NALLY.

Military rites were conducted by Blockton Post #443 American Legion and Iowa Army National Guard Honor Squad.

Rex was laid at rest in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, December of 2009