Wayne Reinhold Brown, 98, passed away on April 8, 2024 at Franklin County Medical Center in Preston ID after a short illness and a long life.

Wayne was born on July 19, 1925 in Magna UT to George Alma Brown and Rosa Anna Kern. He was raised in Magna with 2 sisters and 3 brothers.

He graduated from Cyprus High School (1943) during the 2nd World War and immediately left for military training and an associates degree (1944) from the University of Idaho, Southern Branch in Pocatello, followed by Midshipman School at Cornell University, Ithaca NY, where he was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Naval Reserve (1945). After the war ended, he served in the Pacific Theater including Japan and China. After his military service was completed, Wayne served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Hawaiian Islands.

Wayne attended Brigham Young University where he studied education and sang in a men's choral group. After transferring to the University of Utah, he completed a BS (1951). His graduate studies continued at Utah State Agricultural College (USU) with a MS in Elementary Education (1956).

On July 25, 1950 Wayne & Carol Greaves (from Preston ID) were married in the Logan Temple. They lived in SLC while Carol worked and Wayne completed his BS. In 1951 they moved to Preston ID where they lived for over 70 years. They raised 5 children: (Carol) Jean, Judy, Todd, Dan & Marilyn.

Wayne began his career in education teaching 5th & 6th grades, then became Principal of the Central School and later the Jefferson School. During his career he oversaw the building of the Oakwood School in Preston and the closing of the outlying district schools including the Central, with all students being bussed to town.

Wayne was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in many leadership positions. He was bishop of the Third Ward when the old red brick building (built in 1904) was replaced with the current building (dedicated in 1970 by Harold B Lee).

In 1987 Wayne and Carol retired. They served as missionaries in the Philippines Baguio Mission, and then for 17 years as ordinance workers in the Logan Temple. Wayne was an example of dedicated service and brotherly love. He liked people, he was friendly, and he wanted to be involved. Over the years he sang in the Rotary Club Choir, worked at the Senior Center, and participated in the Lions Club.

Wayne loved to golf! Growing up, he lived across the street from a golf course where the Brown brothers worked as caddies. While at BYU he earned a letter in golf. When Wayne and Carol first moved to Preston they were involved in building the local golf course. He was the first golf pro and helped plant many of the trees that line the original fairway. He was a golf coach at Preston High School, and played regularly until he was over 95. His last hole-in-one was in November 2021 at age 96.

Wayne loved his family. He took every opportunity to bring them together for celebrations and reunions. He is survived by his wife Carol Greaves and 4 of his 5 children: Carol Jean (Dennis) Frasier of Preston, ID, Judy (Mark) Comstock of Potlatch, ID, Todd (Debbie) of Hyde Park, UT, and Marilyn (Daryl) Geddes of Banida, ID; by a daughter-in-law Janeth Brown from Salt Lake City, UT, by a brother Warren (Kork) of Sandy, UT, by 21 grandchildren, 57 great-grandchildren, and 3 1/2 great-great-grandchildren.

Wayne is preceded in death by a son, Daniel, by a grandson, Stuart Brown Frasier, by a great-grand daughter, Abby Alice Erni, by his parents, his 2 sisters Selma Peterson and Leah Barnes, and 2 brothers Von & Paul.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 12:00 pm at the Preston 10th/3rd Ward Building. Military Rites and interment were in the Preston Idaho Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at webbmortuary.com.

Funeral services will be streamed live and can be viewed by clicking on the link in his obituary at webbmortuary.com