John Lewis Brown's Obituary
John Lewis Brown , age 89, of Milton, Delaware, formerly of Rehoboth Beach, DE, died peacefully on Sunday December 16, 2007 at Beebe Medical Center, Lewes, DE. Mr. Brown was born in Clayton, Delaware, son of the late John Lewis Stanley Brown and Jessie Cannon Brown.
Prior to serving in the Army during WWII overseas, he operated a country grocery store in Williamsville. After the war he worked for Shoregas of Dover, and during the servicing of accounts in the lower shore area he met his future wife and moved to Rehoboth Beach. He began his work with RE Wilson and Sons doing plumbing and delivering Mobil Flame Gas Boilers, which he bought in 1953 and operated the business until 1967. At this time he began his career as maintenance supervisor of the Rehoboth Beach Municipal Building for the City of Rehoboth Beach, DE, retiring in 1979. He enjoyed beautification of the city and being outside working with people so much that he went back to work
at the city and was known for the beautification of the center islands on Rehoboth Avenue and for the raising of the flags at the bandstand.
He was a member of the Rehoboth Beach Lions Club having joined in 1972; member of the Delaware Assoc. of Nurserymen since 1987, member of the Rehoboth Beach Chamber of Commerce since 1975 and member of the Rehoboth Beach Kiwanis Club since 1990. Mr. Brown was also very involved in many Masonic organizations including the Jefferson Lodge where he was a 32 degree mason, Ocean City Shrine Club, Nur Temple, Wilmington, DE, and the Lower Delaware Shrine Club.
He had served in the US Army and was a member of the American Legion and VFW of Rehoboth Beach, DE. where he had served as Post Commander for each. He was a life member and oldest living member of the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Department where he has served as Chief.
Over the years he was given numerous awards by many local and state organizations for his untiring support and aid to those in his community needing help. He was one of the founders of the Rehoboth Aid Society since the 60's.
His presence in Rehoboth Beach and attention to detail in the beautification of the city will be sorely missed, and his friendly smile while serving as Parade Marshall at many of the local parades will be fondly remembered.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years Ellen Moore Brown, daughter Barbara Dennis, son-in-law Woodrow Dennis and granddaughter Dawn E. Crouch all of Milton, DE, and two sisters Eleanor Semans and friend Frank Rothermel and Doris Townsend and husband John all of Milford, DE.
Funeral Services with full fireman honors will be held on Friday December 21, 2007 at 11:00 AM at the Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE where friends may call one hour prior to services and on Thursday evening from 7-9 PM. Masonic rites will be held at 7:30 PM at the funeral home. Burial will follow the services at Epworth Methodist Cemetery, Rehoboth Beach, DE with full military honors.
Contributions are suggested to Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, 3551 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19140
Send online condolences to: [email protected]
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