He was born Sept. 11,1935, in Ottawa, the son of Ivan Ben and Thelma Fae (Tedrow) Brown. He graduated from Ottawa High School in 1953 and attended real estate school in Lawrence.

Mr. Brown was a truck driver for more than 30 years. He pulled mobile homes for several local companies, including Bendix, Boise Cascade and Commodor Homes. From 1992 until his retirement in 1997, he owned and operated A&A Contract Carrier.

He was a member of Aerie Lodge No. 2700, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Ottawa Lodge No. 803 and Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, all of Ottawa.

He married Ernestine Peine Feb. 20, 1954. They divorced.

Survivors include two sons, David Roger, Ottawa, and Scott Anthony, Apopka, Fla.; a daughter, Cynthia Lee (Brown) Wilson, Ottawa; a companion, Linda Wilks, Ottawa; two stepsons, Tim Milbern and Rusty Wilks, both of Ottawa; two stepdaughters, Cindy Billings and Deanna Milbern, both of Ottawa; nine grandchildren; and three stepgrandchildren.

Friends may call today and Tuesday until service time at Dengel & Son Mortuary, Ottawa, where the family will receive them from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. today.

The family suggests memorials to Midland Hospice, sent in care of the mortuary, 235 S. Hickory St., Ottawa 66067.

Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at www.dengelmortuary.com.