Delbert Eugene "Gene" Brown

Delbert Eugene "Gene" Brown, 79, Nevada, Mo., passed away Oct. 10, 2013, at the Nevada Regional Medical Center in Nevada. He was born Nov. 17, 1933, in Ash Grove, Mo., to Amon Delbert Brown and Lela Jane (McGinnis) Brown. On July 26, 1955, he was united in marriage to Wilma Mae Hardick in Howard, S.D., and she survives.

Gene served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He was a 58-year member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Sedalia, Mo. Gene rode motocross winning several state and local championships across the state of Missouri. He was a collector of John Deere tractors and restored more than 40 of them. Gene was also a collector of arrowheads, and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a Sunday school superintendent and ordained deacon of the Faith Baptist Church, Walker, Mo.

In addition to his wife, Wilma, of Nevada, survivors include two sons, Lewis Brown and his wife, Sherry, Bronaugh, Mo., and Philip Brown and his wife, Sharon, Carthage, Mo.; four grandchildren, Derek Brown and his wife, Rauni, Joplin, Mo., Alexis Brown, Bronaugh, Kayla Frerer and her husband, Trevor, Carthage, and Morgan Harris, Carthage; three great-grandchildren, Lorelei Brown, Carter Eugene Brown and Brayden Robinson; and six siblings, Mary Alice, Jimmie, Ernie (Red), Glen, Smithie, and Martha. He was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Jordynn Brown, on Sept. 18, 2013; three brothers; and three sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, Oct. 14, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, with the Rev. Larry Brown officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in Johns Chapel Cemetery, Ash Grove, Mo. Friends may call from noon, Sunday, until the hour of service.

Contributions may be made in his name to Faith Baptist Church, Walker, Mo., in care of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com