Charles E. Brown

Charles E. Brown, age 84, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025, surrounded by his family at St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri.

Charles was born June 25, 1941, in Kansas, he was the third of four children born to Howard and Grace (Phillips) Brown. He grew up in Rantoul and graduated from Rantoul High School with the Class of 1959, where he was active in baseball, basketball, track, and volleyball.

On September 5, 1959, Charles married the love of his life, Berniece (Sobba). Together, they shared 65 wonderful years of marriage and built a life filled with love, laughter, and dedication. They raised three children: Linda, Gordon, and Mike.

Charles was a hard worker throughout his life. He began his career at Allstar Dairy before moving on to Anco Cheese. He later spent many years in the mobile home industry. Eventually, he and Berniece worked side by side in the restaurant business across several towns, a partnership that reflected their shared commitment and teamwork.

A man full of wit and charm, Charles was known for his quick sense of humor and endless teasing. He was constantly cracking jokes and lovingly picking on those around him, a trait many say Mike inherited. Grandpa even had a nickname that lives on in family stories, but if you want to know it... you'll have to ask the grandkids, and don't ask too many questions!

Charles had a competitive streak, especially when it came to playing cards - and he especially liked to win. He enjoyed watching sports of all kinds, cheering faithfully for KU basketball, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Royals. He also loved the outdoors, spending time hunting, fishing, and camping with friends and family.

Charles is survived by his wife, Berniece; his daughter, Linda and husband Jere White; two sons, Gordon and wife Pam Brown, and Mike and wife Jackie Brown; one sister, Wilma Ball; seven grandchildren: Matt Roecker, Stacey and Dan Boyce, Jess and Rachel Rockers, Jordan and Bailey Brown, Kim and Chris Hunziker, Robert and Denita White; and thirteen great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Carol Stubler; brother, Lyle Brown; and grandson, Todd Brown.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025, at St. Therese Catholic Church in Richmond, Kansas. Burial will follow at the St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery in Scipio, KS. A Rosary will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday evening, followed by visitation at Feuerborn Funeral Service in Garnett, KS. Memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels and left in care of Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, P.O. Box 408, Garnett, Kansas 66032. Condolences may be left for the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.