Ernest H. Brown Jr.

1940 - 2025

Maj. Ernest Heywood "Ernie" Brown, Jr., of Eatonton, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at the age of 85.

Born in Lewiston, Maine, in the snowy winter of February 1940, Ernie was the beloved son of Ernest Haywood Brown, Sr., and Dorothy Louise Kenney Brown. He graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in 1962, where he proudly wore the ROTC uniform and found lifelong friendships as a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. His wife, Susan, stood by his side for more than 60 years, a marriage they celebrated joyfully this year.

Ernie dedicated his life to service -- first to his country, then to his community, and always to his family. As a decorated fighter pilot in the United States Air Force, he served with courage, honor, and distinction. Flying the F-4 Phantom II during the Vietnam War, he earned the respect of his fellow Airmen for his skill, leadership, and bravery under fire. On one mission, he selflessly risked his own safety to protect American troops on the ground -- a testament to his unwavering devotion to others. His career included the rare privilege of flying as an exchange pilot with the U.S. Navy aboard the USS America. For his valor, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross among other honors. After more than two decades of service, Ernie retired in 1983, though his love of flying carried on in smaller planes as he continued to chase the "wild blue yonder."

Following his military career, Ernie charted new paths as a realtor in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire and later as a dedicated U.S. Postal Service employee in Sanbornville, NH. Yet his truest calling was service to the community. For 23 years he helped shape young minds and schools as a member of the Governor Wentworth Regional School Board, where he championed academic excellence and oversaw major building projects. A believer in democracy in action, he served Brookfield, NH as Selectman, Town Moderator, Trustee of Trust Funds, and even as a volunteer with the local Ambulance Corps. His vision and perseverance also helped bring the Cotton Valley Rail Trail to life, leaving a lasting gift for generations to enjoy.

Ernie's commitment to service extended to countless organizations: he was a proud Mason of the Asylum Masonic Lodge in Leeds, ME, a member of the Lions Club in Wakefield, NH, and later of the Elks Club in Eatonton, GA. He was also a lifelong member of the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association and the Order of Daedalians, a fraternal and professional order of American military pilots, keeping alive the brotherhood of military aviators.

Above all, Ernie was a man of deep love -- for his family, his friends, and his country. He is survived by his devoted wife, Susan Brown; his daughters, Sarah Finlayson of Amherst, NH, Rachel Zeigler of Alexandria, VA, and Jenny Schmitt of Brookhaven, GA; his cherished grandchildren, Jordan Brown, Phoebe Schmitt, and Zoe Schmitt; his beloved sister, June Moore Jenneke; and many extended relatives and friends who will remember his kindness, wit, and steadfast character. He was preceded in death by his parents and his two sisters, Jeanne Barclay and Joan Hynes.

In honor of his service, burial with full military honors will take place at Arlington National Cemetery. A celebration of his life will be held at Great Waters Community in Eatonton, GA and the Poor People's Pub in Sanbornville, NH at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Maj. Ernest H. Brown, Jr. may do so through donations to the nonprofit, The Order of Daedalians, in support of military aviators and future generations of pilots, directed to: Attn: Order of Daedalians, Flight #53, Major Greg Curtis, 18 Carriage Drive, Exeter, NH 03833-4705.