Bessie Mae (Betty) Brown, 96, passed away on July 11, 2016, at her home in Temple, Texas. Memorial services for Mrs. Brown were held September 3, 2016, at St. Paul United Methodist Church, where she was a member since 2004.
Betty was born April 7, 1920 in Stillwater, Mn. to Rev. Willis V. Barber and Marjorie Cole Barber. She married M. Duane Brown in Corpus Christi, Texas on January 27, 1945. They celebrated their 70th anniversary with family and friends and shared a lifetime of love together raising their family. Betty was a self-taught gifted pianist, became a Certified Master Piano teacher and taught piano lessons for many years. She bought her first piano at age 18 and continued to play it until her passing. Betty was a devoted wife, mother and dearly loved & spoiled her grandchildren. She loved playing cards with family and friends (she usually won!)
The couple is survived by their daughters, Joan Ervin (George) of Temple, Texas and Kathy Richardson (Scott) of Carroll, Iowa; nephews Larry (Shirley) Hiatt of Nevada, IA, Pete (Elaine) Brown of Mankato, MN, Randy (Patti) Barber of San Jose, CA...[more]
d Jerry Barber (Gwendolyn) of Hesperia, CA; seven grandchildren, Holly Brown (John) of Temple, Brian Corbin (Laura) of Jonestown, TX, David Corbin (Stacy) of Temple, Steve Ervin of Copperas Cove, TX, Matthew Ervin (Daniel) of Austin, TX; Michael Richardson of Carroll, IA and Jeff Richardson (Genevieve) of N. Aurora, Illinois; twelve great-grandchildren; two great great grandchildren as well as many beloved friends & family.
Merlyn Duane "Brownie" Brown, age 96, of Temple, Texas, passed away on March 30, 2019 at his home. Mr. Brown was born December 9, 1922, to Clio C. Brown and Jessie M. (Moats) Brown in Corydon, Iowa. He married Bessie "Betty" Barber on January 27,1945, in Corpus Christi, Texas. He served in the US Navy during WWII as a Petty Officer 1st Class assigned to CASU #1 at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, as an aviation ordnance supervisor. He was a 70-year member of the American Legion.
Duane leased and operated Brownie's Sinclair Service Station in Ames, Iowa, for 30 years then worked at Skeie Pontiac & Benson Buick as service manager before his retirement. Duane & Betty moved from Ames to Carroll, IA in 1992. In 2004, they moved to Temple, Texas.
Brownie was orphaned at an early age and overcame obstacles with his determined strong work ethic and dedication to family and country. He married the love of his life and they enjoyed dancing, playing cards, gardening, entertaining friends and raising their family. He will be remembered for his witty sense of humor and unconditional love and devotion to his family and friends.
They were preceded in death by their son, Michael Duane Brown, granddaughter, Erin K. Richardson, their parents and siblings
To read the full obituary, please click here: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/ames-ia/betty-duane-brown-8758877