Steven Preston Brown

West Liberty, Iowa
Steven Preston Brown, 75, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Prairie Hills Assisted Living in Tipton surrounded by love from his family.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the West Liberty Community Center, 1204 North Calhoun Street, West Liberty. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the Community Center, with burial to follow in North Prairie Cemetery, West Liberty.
Steve was born January 16, 1950, in Iowa City, the son of Ronald and Zoe Ann (Mantor) Brown. Steve graduated from West Liberty High School in 1968, where he was active in band, track, and FFA, serving as District Treasurer, as well as in 4-H. Following high school, he earned his Associate of Arts degree from Muscatine Community College.
On July 25, 1970, he was united in marriage to Sheryl Jean Staley at the Atalissa Christian Church. Together, they shared 55 wonderful years of marriage.
In 1970, Steve was accepted into the U.S. Air Force, but a farming accident prevented him from serving. That same year, he began working as a welder for McCrabb Bros. Manufacturing in West Liberty. In 1973, he founded Steve Brown Construction, specializing in farm drainage. After his father retired from farming in 1988, Steve and his brother Tom established Brown Brothers Enterprises to operate the family farm, which they ran together for 30 years. As his health declined, Steve took great pride in helping his son Eric continue the family legacy of farm drainage work now operating as EB Drainage.
Steve had many talents, interests, and hobbies. He earned his ARRL (American Radio Relay League) license in 1962 and maintained a lifelong passion for ham radio. In 1994, he obtained his pilot's license and enjoyed flying Piper airplanes. He was also an active member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and the Civil Air Patrol (CAP). He served as a township trustee, actively participated in the Lions Club, and took on leadership roles in the Land Improvement Contractors of America (LICA), including Southeast District President and Iowa State President. He loved snowmobiling, riding motorcycles, snow and water skiing, and especially dancing with Sheryl, with whom he shared that joy for many years.
Faith was a guiding force throughout Steve's life. He grew up in the Christian church in West Liberty and later attended the Atalissa Church of Christ with his family. He found great joy in teaching Sunday school, singing, and sharing his faith through both word and example.
He is survived by his wife, Sheryl Brown of West Liberty; five children: Martin (Kessia) Brown of West Liberty, Laurie (Aaron) Derby of North Liberty, Michelle (Noel) Elizondo of West Liberty, Kristi Brown (Agustine Flatcher) of Waukesha, WI, and Eric (Breann) Brown of West Liberty; nine grandchildren; Danni Brown, Blair Derby, Mason Derby, Noel J. Elizondo, Cameron Elizondo, Adrian Elizondo, Reyna Flatcher-Brown, Eleanor Brown and Valerie Brown, two sisters; Kathy (Mark) Gervasi of Tillamook, OR, and Karen (Robin) Spears of Sheldon; sister-in-law, Diana Brown of West Liberty, uncle Dave Mantor of Fairmount, IN and aunt Janice Christensen of Iowa City.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Thomas Brown and a son, Steven Preston Brown Jr.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Croix Hospice, 1208 Dina Court, Hiawatha, IA 52233.