Gale Leroy Brown

Gale Leroy Brown

Gale Leroy Brown, age 82, of Louisburg, Kan., passed away Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015 at his home.

Gale was born on July 17, 1933 in Mapleton, Kan., the son of Durward "Duke" and Hannah Pearl (Ballah) Brown. He graduated in 1950 from Fulton High School in Fulton, Kan., and on Aug. 9, 1952 he married his high school sweetheart, Lucille Marie Durbin. Gale and Lucille shared 63 years of marriage.

Gale, lovingly known as "Brownie", retired from AT&T after over 30 years of service. He was a member of the Communications Workers of America Union during that time. Gale was very family oriented. He was especially loved by his many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews for his generosity and fun loving spirit. He loved family get-togethers making sure all the kids had their favorite sodas available. After retiring, Gale enjoyed spending time garage saling and visiting with neighbors. He was always available to keep the neighbor's kid's bicycles in good repair and help with anyone's mowing needs. He was truly a man ahead of his time with his evening work schedule, he had no problem helping Lucille with household duties including cleaning, cooking and shopping. Gale's other interest included his love of all sports, western movies, books, collecting owls and everything related to cars of all years.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, three siblings and three children, Theresa Thibadeaux, Mary Lee Brown and Patrick Wayne Brown.

Survivors include his wife, Lucille, of the home; two sons, Mike (Anita) Brown, Drexel, Mo.; Tim (Vicki) Brown, Louisburg, Kan.; daughter, Bonnie (Harold) Coleman, Fort Scott, Kan.; two brothers, Dean Brown, Fulton, Kan., and Donnie Brown, Fort Scott, Kan.; eight grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2015 at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 120 S. Broadway, Louisburg, KS, 66053. Graveside services will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2015, Mapleton Cemetery, Mapleton, Kan. The family suggests contributions to the Crossroads Hospice or Mid America Nutrition Center (Louisburg Meals on Wheels).