Harry E. Brown

Harry E. Brown, 89, of Lusk, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 25, 2015. He died at the Niobrara County health and Life Center.

Funeral services were held on Monday, March 30, 2015 at 2 p.m. at the Congregational Church in Lusk with Pastor Mark Lohr officiating. Afterwards, a graveside service was held by Masonic Lodge #24, followed by the Honor Guard tribute to the World War II veteran. Burial is at the Lusk Cemetery.

Harry was born July 18, 1925 in Lusk to Ben and Ellen (Dieckman) Brown. As a young boy he lived with his family during the Depression Era on a farm south of Keeline, Wyoming. In 1943 Harry graduated as class valedictorian from Manville High School. Beginning at age 19, he served in the Air Force as a gunner on a B-17 in WWII while stationed in England.

On April 23, 1948, Harry married Ruby Hitchcock in Lusk. They shared almost 67 years together truly devoted to one another, happily living and working together side by side. In 1957, they adopted a baby girl named Deborah Lynn while living in Lance Creek, Wyoming. While there, Harry worked in the oil fields.

In the early 1960's, the family moved to Lusk where Harry put his natural business skills to work by becoming self-employed. He started, owned and operated Ranchers Feed Service for 25 years during which he added a pellet mill and lumberyard. He retired from business in the 1980's to pursue his dream of owning and managing a farm and ranch for another twenty years. He also built and operated Lusk Mini Storage for over 25 years.

Harry enjoyed fellowshipping with others as a member of the Congregational Church and Masonic Harmony Lodge #24 for over 50 years each. He started the Hospital Foundation and served as the main fundraiser for it.

Family and friends were most important to Harry. He was a faithful husband and father. Harry was patient, kind, honest, loyal, and generous. He valued hard work because he believed that a person's greatest reward and satisfaction in life comes from loving, serving, and providing for others in the family home life or in business.

He is survived by his wife, Ruby, of Lusk; daughter, Deborah, and her husband, Ken Barnsdale; two teenage granddaughters, Alyssa Barnsdale, of Torrington and Vanya Barnsdale of Lusk; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Billie and Robert, and one sister, Dorothy.

The family suggests memorials be sent to the Congregational Church, P.O. Box 1106, Lusk, Wyoming 82225 to benefit the ladies' circle who provide meals for others in time of need.

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