| Graduation Year | Class of 1938 |
| Date of Passing | Nov 18, 2004 |
| About | J.R. Brown, 84, of Rushville, died Thursday, Nov. 18, 2004, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Lafayette. Born June 30, 1920, in Gosport, he was the son of E.F. and May (Cherry) Brown, both deceased. He married Helena Jane Dyer June 14, 1947; she preceded him in death March 13, 1989. He married Mary Eleanor Kinnett Aug. 25, 1989; she preceded him in death Jan. 24, 1990. He married Polly Bridgewater Dec. 7, 1990; she survives. Mr. Brown was a 1938 graduate of Rushville High School and a 1942 graduate of Purdue University, where he studied Ag Education. He was active in several programs at Purdue including John Purdue Club, President's Council, Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, Purdue Varsity Club, and he was a two year football letterman. He was a lifelong Rush County farmer, and a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Rushville Elks Lodge and Rushville American Legion. A World War II veteran, he was with the U.S. Marine Air Corps, reaching the rank of Major and serving as a dive bomber pilot in the Pacific Theater. He was also an active member and served as a director of Rush County Farm Bureau for many years. Survivors in addition to his wife include one step son, James Rhynearson (and wife Cathy) of Fortville; one step daughter, Diane (Mrs. Daniel) Dunham of Point Isabel; two sisters, Betty Peterkin of Solomons, Md., and Mary Sandleben of Evansville; and two grandsons. Besides his parents and first two wives he was preceded in death by one brother. Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Moster & Cox Mortuary in Rushville, with the Rev. Allen Phillips officiating. Entombment will follow in East Hill Shrine Mausoleum. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at the mortuary. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the charity of the donor's choice. |
