CHARLES FREEMAN "BUDDY" BROWN

CHARLES FREEMAN BROWN "BUDDY"

Sept. 9, 1930 - Aug. 10, 2013

Buddy Brown, age 82, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2013. Buddy was born on September 9, 1930 to Wesley and Gladys Brown in Locksberg, Arkansas. Buddy was a man of many talents and had a strong work ethic. In his working life Buddy had a series of very successful careers. Over the past four decades Buddy and Mary, his wife of 41 years, owned and operated the Town Pump Restaurant in Westmorland and Brownie's Diner in Brawley. Buddy was very active in both restaurants and he worked at both establishments on a daily basis well past his 80th birthday.
In 1948 Buddy joined the United States Air Force where he served six years. In that time he served as Air Force Police, Hospital Dietician and Supervising Cook during the Korean War. He proudly served in the Philippine Islands and later was stationed at Webb Air Force Base in Texas. This military training would prove to be a great benefit to his future in the Imperial Valley. On June 12, 1957 Buddy moved to the Imperial Valley where he immediately found work with Carl Reed in the hay business. He later spent many years working for John Flamming Farms in Brawley. In 1958 Buddy was a proud member of the team that help to clear and level the land for what is now the Brawley Cattle Call Park. Buddy was later recruited to become a mechanic supervisor for the Jordan Implement Company. Buddy was well known for his ability to recognize talent and mentor young "hands" to transfer his skills to the next generations. His full-time farming career concluded as the ranch Foreman for Ed Rutherford farms in Brawley.
In 1979 Buddy and Mary purchased the Town Pump in Westmorland. The restaurant grew from a small lunch counter to a full steak house and bar that is popular with small parties and large banquets. In 1992 the Browns renovated a vacant building in Brawley to become the popular Brownie's Diner. At Brownie's Diner, Buddy's recipe for menudo has become an Imperial Valley favorite. Buddy was well known for his ability to fix anything that came his way.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley and Gladys Brown; son, Charles Edward "Eddie" Brown; sisters, Carrie Brown, Jean Lisenby, Millie Evans, Mary Sullivan; brother, Pete Brown.
Buddy is survived by his wife, Mary Brown of Brawley; sons, Gabriel (Juanita) Rebollar of Brawley, and Mark Rebollar of Brawley; daughters, Martha (Perry) Greiner of Nevada, Darla Schmidt of Brawley, Sheila (Kurt) Leptich of Brawley; 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Buddy was very proud of all of his children and grandchildren. He never failed to make them laugh with a good joke or story. Survivors also include brother, Jack Brown; sister, Wynema "Nema" Wright of Hayworth, Oklahoma; honorary brother Leon Westbrook of Broken Bow, Oklahoma.
A sincere thank you to Maria Villareal and Sara Valencia of the Imperial Valley Health Care for their very kind and caring service.
Visitation will take place tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. at Frye Chapel and Mortuary in Brawley.
Chapel service, conducted by longtime friend and Pastor Mike Neciuk of El Redentor Church, will be held Thursday, August 15, 2013 at 9 a.m. also at Frye Chapel. Buddy will be laid to rest at Riverview Cemetery and a reception will follow at Brownie's Diner in Brawley.