George Nelson Brown

George N. Brown, 89, of Lake Wabaunsee, passed away on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.

George N. Brown was born August 6, 1936, in Holton, KS, to Oscar George and Isabel Hurrel Brown. His father died before he was born. His mother married Garland “Butch” Hune in 1944. George graduated from Circleville High School in 1954. He attended Kansas University, where he played frosh basketball, participating in the very first game at Allen Fieldhouse. He later transferred to and graduated from Baker University in 1958. He received his MS in School Administration from K-State in 1970. George’s claim-to-fame during his time on the Kansas basketball team was that he was tasked with guarding Wilt Chamberlain during practices. George must have done a great job because Wilt went on to have a pretty successful career!

He married Barbara Morris in August, 1957; they were divorced in 1985. He married Janice Horak in 1988.

Mr. Brown was a teacher and coach at Wetmore, Holton, and Marysville, and served five years as Principal of Chaparral High School. He became Superintendent of Schools of Kaw Valley USD 321 (St. Marys, Rossville, Emmett, Delia) in 1981 and retired in 1998. He then served a two-year interim as Superintendent at Norton and two years at West Solomon Valley. He served a total of 44 years in education.

Mr. Brown was preceded in death by a great-grandson, Wilson Korte. He is survived by his wife, Janice, two sons, Luke (Kerri Lynne) and Douglas (Lisa), a daughter, Georgia Flood (Scott), two stepsons, Terry Horak (Wendi) and Brian Horak (Lisa), and a step-daughter, Kelly Donovan (Garrett). He is also survived by seventeen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

The family will recite rosary at 6:30 PM on Monday, October 27 in the parish hall at Holy Family Catholic Church in Alma and receive visitors from 7:00- 8:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for George at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, October 28, also at Holy Family Catholic Church.

Cremation will take place following the mass and a private burial in Holy Family Catholic Cemetery will follow at a later date.

Memorial contributions in George’s memory may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church and may be sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, KS 66536.