William Garretson Browne

1927 - 2017

William Garretson Browne

July 1, 1927 -

August 31, 2017

William Garretson Browne, age 90, passed peacefully after a long illness surrounded by his dedicated wife, four sons and brother in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio on August 31, 2017.

William had many friends who he met through college, Navy, Army, society and business career. He had unwavering patriotic dedication to country serving at age 17 in World War II in the Philippines as a Navy shipman, on to college earning a BS in Education/History at Kent State University in August 1952 thanks to the GI bill. William returned to the military in the Army/Army Reserves achieving rank of Lt. Colonel before finally retiring in 1987. William also ran one of the first healthcare third party administrators in Ohio and was a general agent for several life insurance companies.

William over his lifetime continued studying American history, enjoyed taking his young family skiing in the New York and Vermont ski areas, hiking the hills of Cooks Forest Pa., enjoying the beach and boating at Marco Island and the Gulf coast. He was an avid Cleveland Indians and OSU Football admirer. William should always be remembered by his dedication to his sons and disabled daughter, always first making sure their education and wellbeing was a priority.

Preceding in death were his parents, Charles and Beatrice Browne of Elyria Ohio and Brother Thomas Browne. William is survived by his loving family, wife, Claudia York Browne; son, Scott Browne, (wife, Carol, grandson, Garretson, Patrick and Michael); son, William Browne, (wife, Dee, granddaughter, Courtney; and grandsons, William and Thomas); daughter, Susan Browne of Carrollton, Ohio; son, Bruce Browne, (granddaughters, Corryn and Kayleigh); son, Eric Browne. William also has three surviving sisters and one brother.

Several organizations William participated; Lafayette Chapter of the American Revolution, Optimist Club, General Agents and Managers Association, Salvation Army Advisory Council Chairman, Lifetime member of the Reserve Officers Association, United Church of Christ, Lifetime member of Kent State Alumni Association, Cascade Club, University Club, YMCA, Little League Counsel, Kent State University Blue and Gold Club Board member.

William requested no formal memorial services be held. Internment of his remains and full military honors will be held at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Road, Seville, OH 4427, on September 29, 2017 at 2 p.m.

Condolences and special memories can be shared with the family at www.heritagecremationsociety.com. Heritage Cremation Society, 330-564-1213