Darrell Brown

1926 - 2016

Darrell R. Brown

Williamstown Township

Darrell Brown was born in Lansing, Michigan on July 26th, 1926 and passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on July 19th, a few days shy of his 90th birthday.   Darrell was a lifelong resident of Haslett and dearly loved the community.   He believed in hard work and making things happen, in the importance of honesty and standing by his word.  He had a passion for life that was present in all his endeavors, had a great smile, laugh, and sense of humor and was always fun to be around, but was calm and thoughtful when life's challenges needed to be discussed.Darrell was the youngest of five children born to Ottie and Elvin Brown and was a 1944 graduate of Haslett High School, where he was awarded "Best all-around athlete" an honor he treasured.  After high school he served in the army during WWII with the 11th airborne division, and was later part of the Japan Occupational Force.Civilian life brought him to work on the family farm.  Through his enjoyment of dancing and big band music, he met a dance partner named Lois Musolf, his wife of 63 years.   Together they raised four children, built the home they lived in for 50 years, the site of countless celebrations, card games and in the later years hayrides and bonfires for grandchildren and great grandchildren.Darrell was a farmer, delivered U.S. mail, and drove a Haslett school bus.  He went into insurance and formed the Darrell Brown Agency, starting out in the basement and eventually building an office on Haslett Road.   He was proud to be an agent representing Auto-Owners for many years.  He and Lois toured worldwide through his relationship with the company.  He also began Darrell Brown Realty and continued as a broker after selling the insurance business,   and remained an active member of the Greater Lansing Association of Realtors till his last day.Darrell was a member of the Haslett Community Church, Haslett Business Association, a member and past Worshipful Master of the Williamston Masonic Lodge, and a member and past president of The Haslett /Okemos Rotary Club.  He served on the Haslett School Board for 8 years, helping procure the land and then laying out of the present high school. Throughout the years mail the post office received addressed to the "mayor" got dropped off at his office and he became the unofficial "Mayor of Haslett" and loved it.Darrell was a Huge Spartan Fan and held football tickets for decades.  He loved golfing with his buddies and playing cards with Lois and their friends, and always treasured time spent with family.Darrell is preceded in death by his wife Lois, his parents and his brothers Robert, Daniel, Frank and his sister Jeanette Stearns.  He is survived by his four children Jack (Marilyn) Brown, Colleen Brown Williams, Mike (Louise) Brown, Nancy (Tom) Herlocker and grandchildren Jeremy (Shannon) Brown, Scott Brown, Beckie (Brian) Conlen, Steve (Katie) Brown, Bill (Andrea)Edwards,  Maureen Edwards, Trevor Williams, Cara Williams, Leah Herlocker, Bryant Herlocker and 6 great Grandchildren.His absence will be felt beyond measure.  Darrell's memory will live on through family and friends and our lives are forever enriched by his love.Visitation will be September 9, 2016 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Gorsline-Runciman East Lansing at 1730 East Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823The funeral Service will be September 10, 2016 at 3:30pm at Haslett Community Church, 1427 Haslett Rd,  Haslett, MI 48840. Interment to follow at Summit Cemetery in Williamston, MI.Donations may be made in Darrell's honor to Haslett Community Church or Foundation for Haslett Schools, care of Haslett Public Schools, Attn: Michelle, 5593 Franklin St, Haslett, MI 48840.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East  Chapel.  Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.greastlansing.com.