William Randolph Brown

Mr. Brown died Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2003, in Topeka.

He was born Dec. 5, 1924, in Warrenton, Va., the son of William Wallace and Effie Mae Halley Brown. He grew up in Washington, D.C.

Mr. Brown joined the U.S. Navy during World War II after graduating from high school. He was on the USS Johnston in the battle of Leyte Gulf in the Philippines when it sank Oct. 25, 1944. He returned to Washington after release from active duty and moved to Topeka in 1949. He worked for Myers Yearbook Co., then for Jostens Yearbook, before he retired in 1989. He was a member of American Legion, Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church and the USS Johnston/Hoel Assn.

He married Doris J. Adams on March 6, 1948, in Rockville, Md. She survives, of the home.

Other survivors include two daughters, Carol L. Bush, Parsons, and Bobbi J. Baker, Papillion, Neb.; a son, Gary D., Lawrence; and eight grandchildren.

The family suggests memorials to American Cancer Society, 1315 S.W. Arrowhead Road, Topeka 66614-4020; or Topeka Rescue Mission, 600 N. Kansas Ave., Topeka 66608-0350.