Leroy Daniel Brown

SFC (Ret) Leroy Brown was born in Harrisonburg, Virginia on October 13, 1939. He grew up in Virginia and upon completion of his education at Lucy Simms High, moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Shortly after his completion of high school on May 7, 1957, Leroy joined the United States Army where he spent a few years in the 11B Infantry Division. He finished his tour and tried to venture back into the civilian world. Two short years later, he decided the army was his home and re-enlisted. He did numerous assignments throughout his career as an airborne infantryman. He spent five years of recruiting duty; to hand select the future of the army; seven years after raising the hopes and dreams of future soldiers, he decided to become a drill sergeant to motivate and encourage the future leaders of our country. He was instrumental in developing civilians into soldiers by leading by example. They wanted to be just like him. He trained regular people to become America’s finest. That shows the caliber of the man he was. He earned several awards and commendations and retired as a Sergeant First Class. After 24 years of service to his country, Leroy decided to step down and embrace his civilian life. He went on to work for AAFES, starting his way up the line from janitor to theater manager. While working for AAFES, he started working for the Waynesville Vocational School, where “bad, bad Leroy Brown” became the official tool man, directly working with the automotive and auto body shops. Leroy retired from both AAFES and the school after many long years of dedicated service. Leroy was united in marriage to the love of his life, Erika Majer in Berlin, Germany while he was stationed there. They shared over 46 years of marriage together and were blessed with four children: Pete, Evelyne, Tee and Monnett. Leroy had a passion for teaching and mentoring. He enjoyed daily life; going in to work every day was never a chore. He always wanted to provide for his family and give them a wonderful life. Leroy passed away Wednesday, September 24, 2014, in his home having attained the age of 74 years, 11 months and 11 days. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Leroy leaves to cherish his memory, his wife: Erika Brown of the home; four children: Pete Brown and his wife Glerda, Evelyne Martinez and her husband Luis, Tee Brown and his wife Stephanie, and Monnett Brown; one sister: Linda Brown; three aunts: Geraldine Brown, Lorraine Brown, and Pauline Brown; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; 4 generations of cousins; other relatives and friends. Leroy was preceded in death by his mother: Mary M. Brown; maternal grandparents: James Richard and Harriet Brown; along with six uncles and four aunts. Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 2, 2014 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Chaplain (LTC) Darin Powers officiating. Soloist Mike Beattie sang “Danny Boy” and “Amazing Grace”. Serving as escorts were the United States Army. Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood.

Leroy Daniel Brown

October 13, 1939 - September 24, 2014