Ted Brown

Ted R. Brown, age 59, of Jefferson City, MO, passed away peacefully Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Mexico, MO, after a long hard fought battle with Parkinson's.
Ted was born on June 5, 1965, in Erie, PA, the youngest of nine children born to the late Theordore Robert and Rose Marie (Fickenworth) Brown. On November 3, 1990, he was united in marriage to his grade school rival, but high school sweetheart, Catrina L. "Tina" Hutinger in Jefferson City. The two shared nearly 35 years of marriage together.
A lifelong resident of the Jefferson City area, Ted was a 1983 graduate of Jefferson City High School. Following graduation, he joined the United States Navy and proudly served his country as a Submarine Sonar Technician. He earned the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon after serving on a fast attack sub off the coast of Iran as well as aboard the USS Baltimore. He received an honorable discharge on November 30, 1987.
Returning to civilian life to provide for his young family, Ted began working for the Missouri Department of Corrections, starting as a Corrections Officer and working his way up to Maintenance Supervisor. He dedicated 26 years of service to the department until his retirement in 2015.
Having grown up on a farm, Ted had a passion for animals ranging from rabbits, bottle calves, horses, and donkeys to his beloved dogs. He found enjoyment in the outdoors and spent his time hunting deer, rabbit, and squirrel, fishing for catfish and bass, and hiking. Ted had a passion for the shooting range and was a member of the United Sportsman Club. He also taught gun safety courses for several years.
A true handyman, Ted had natural talent for carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work. It was rare that he didn't have a project he was working on whether with his family, on his property, or for others who needed his help. He often lent his skills to his church community at Westview Missionary Baptist Church, where he attended for many years.
While he found peace at home, Ted also enjoyed adventures and trips with his family. Together, they traveled across the western United States in an RV to experience Yosemite National Park. Trips to Virginia Beach and Washington D.C. were special because he was able to share places he had been stationed in the service with his family. He and Tina also cruised to the Bahamas and Mexico, soaking in the scenery and warm weather. His favorite place to visit was Erie, PA, to visit his hometown and family.
Above all, Ted was a family man who took the role of provider and protector extremely seriously. While he could be stern and direct, he took pride in raising his children, instilling a strong work ethic and true sense of family in them. He also had a goofy and fun side and enjoyed joking with his family and friends. He was a loving husband, dedicated and proud father and grandfather. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Survivors include his loving wife, Tina; three children, Christin Brown of Fulton, MO, Joshua Brown of Jefferson City, and Katelyn Brown (Nathaniel Meadows) of Fulton, MO; two grandchildren, Viktor Terry and Issabella Terry; and siblings, Rosalie Johns of Union City, PA, Roxanne Wetmore (Chuck) of Boyd, TX, Karen Reinkemeyer (Eddie) of Jefferson City, Rick Cole of Jefferson City, Carol Skarzenski (Matthew) of Union City, PA, Mildred McCutcheon (Don) of Shreveport, LA, and Cheryl Engels (Larry) of Erie, PA., and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Rose; and one brother, Russell Cole.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., Thursday, January 23, 2025, at Freeman Mortuary.
Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 p.m., Thursday, January 23, 2025, in the Freeman Chapel with Pastor Michael Hearst officiating. Graveside services and interment with military honors will be held at Mount Carmel Cemetery.
A webcast of the funeral service will begin at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, January 23, 2025, for friends that are not able to attend by returning to this memorial page and clicking on "Watch Now."
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.