Ray Brown

Ray Brown, age 72, of California, Mo., passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2020, at his home after a long fought battle with cancer. He was born March 22, 1948, in California, Mo., the son of Fred Brown and Katherine Meyer Brown, both of whom preceded him in death. He graduated from California High School in 1966. Ray served in the United States Navy, in the "Brown Water Fleet" in Vietnam on the USS Grasp as a Gunner's Mate. Ray was married to Janet Keil on December 28, 1968, at Annunciation Catholic Church, who preceded him in death in October 2009. He retired from the State of Missouri with the Department of Office Administration as a Supervisor at the State Data Center. He was a member of the VFW Post 35 St. Martins. Some of Ray's favorite hobbies were deer hunting, fishing, tinkering around the farm and maintaining his yard. He also loved cooking BBQ pork steak and spending time with his family and friends. He loved spending time with his grandson, Chase. Chase loved eating Papa's bacon. Ray is survived by his son, Nathan (Jenny) Brown of Jefferson City; one grandson; Chase Brown, siblings Madeline Blacksten of Versailles, Serena Griffith (Rick) of Sedalia, Don Brown (Terry) of California, Beverly Ashley (Steve) of Clarksburg, and Mike Brown (Diane) of Latham; sister-in-law Janet Keil Miller and several nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Thelma Sharlene Schreck; one brother, Lyle Edward Brown; three brothers-in-law, Wayne Keil, Leonard Schreck and Ronnie Blacksten; one niece; two nephews; and one great niece. Visitation was held Monday, August, 10, 2020, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Windmill Ridge Funeral Service. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, August 11, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Martin's Catholic Church with Rev. Jason Doke officiating. Interment followed at St. Martin's Catholic Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the St. Martin's Catholic Church. Online messages to the family may be contributed at www.windmillridgefuneralservice.com.