Alvin Ray Brown

Alvin Ray Brown

April 30, 1932 - June 11, 2012

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Alvin Ray Brown of McCook passed away Monday, June 11, 2011, near Trenton, Nebraska. He was 80 years old.

Alvin was born on April 30, 1932, in Johnstown, Nebraska to Cecil Ray and Anna C. (Thompson) Brown. He attended school in Johnstown where he was a member of the football team. He later graduated from Milford Technological School with a degree in carpentry.

On April 5, 1951, he entered the US Army and served during the Korean War. During his time in the service he became a Golden Glove Boxer. He was honorably discharged on Feb. 13, 1954. He was employed as a truck driver and foreman for Gamble Robinson Food Supply.

On Nov. 18, 1955, he was united in marriage to Dora Marie Watkins at United Church of Christ in Gaylord, Kansas. To this union three children were born, Gary, Gina and Johnny. They made their home eventually in McCook where Alvin worked on the Red Willow dam and canals. He later became self-employed as a carpenter and electrician.

Alvin was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Eagle's Club. He loved hunting and fishing, working with wood and spending time with his dogs, Cole and Tubs.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Cecil and Anna Brown; his wife, Dora Marie Brown; and sister, Beverly Brown.

Survivors include his children, Gary B. Brown of McCook, Johnny Ray Brown of Long Pine, and Gina and husband, Charlie Votapka, Jr., of Ogallala; brothers, Bill Brown and wife, Lorene, of Lancaster, California and Larry Brown and wife, Charlene, of Las Vegas, Nevada; sister, Virginia Peregoy of Long Pine; six grandchildren, Dorina Votapka of Hayes, Kansas, Sara Votapka of Lincoln, and Charles Votapka, III, of Ogallala, Melissa Brown of Windfield, Iowa, Jocelyn Brown and Johnny Ray Brown, Jr. both of St. Joseph, Missouri; five great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

Memorials may be given in his name to the McCook Humane Society. Friends may leave condolences to the family at www.carpenterbreland.com

Graveside memorial services will be held Wednesday, June 20, 2012, 2 p.m. at the Gaylord Cemetery, Gaylord, Kansas with Phil Olsen officiating. Military committal will be by the Kensington Kansas American Legion Post No. 166.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.