Obituary: Frank Raymond Brown

Frank Raymond Brown died April 30, 2009 at the Veterans Memorial Center in Reno after a lengthy illness. He was born in Ceresco, Neb., Dec. 16, 1925 to Frank and Florence Peterson Brown.

The family lived in Wahoo, Neb., where he graduated from Wahoo High School in 1949. Following graduation, he was drafted for service in World War II. He served in the European Theater of Operations and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for participation in the Battle of the Bulge. He left the front line of battle for hospitalization and spent six months in England, France and Colorado Springs, Colo. in recovery before discharge in 1945. Upon return after Army service he enrolled to the College of St. Gustavus Aldophus in St. Peter, Minn. to study education. Three years later he graduated from Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, Neb. His first educational position was as Principal of Snyder High School, Snyder, Neb.

Because his parents were retiring in Pocatello, Idaho, he joined them and then accepted a teaching position in Wells, Nev. There he met and married Kathleen Flaherty in Elko, Nov. 22, 1950.

In 1951, he was called to active duty as a lieutenant in the Korean War. His first assignment was at Fort Mason, San Francisco, Calif. as Troop Commander on the harbor boat ferrying troops for departure to the Far East to Camp Stoneman in Pittsburgh, Calif. He was then ordered for additional training to Fort Eustis, Va. before being sent to Sochori, Korea, on the coast of the Sea of Japan above the 35th parallel in North Korea. After one year there, he was transferred to the Yokohama Transportation Depot where he served as Chief of the Shipping Section and Training Officer. Kay joined him in Yokohama for a year before he was separated from active duty in Fort Lewis, Wash. in 1953.

From Yokohama, Japan they moved to Greeley, Colo. while both attended University of Northern Colorado in Greeley to complete advanced degrees. In 1949 they would accept teaching positions in Wells, Nev., and in 1954 came to Carson City. Frank became the Carson City High School Guidance Counselor until 1961when he was named a Consultant for the Nevada Department of Education's Pupil Personnel and Guidance Services until retirement in 1981. Frank was instrumental in facilitating the introduction of school counselors at the elementary level.

He was the first president of the Nevada Personnel and Guidance Association and recipient of the NPGA Distinguished Service Award and a member of Phi Delta Kappa, an honorary educational fraternity. He was also a member of the Carson City Rotary Club. Frank's volunteer service earned Frank and Kay distinction as Sierra Pacific Power Company's "Good Neighbor" Award. During his years in Carson City he joined the Nevada National Guard and served as Deputy Director of Selective Service until his retirement as Lt. Colonel in 1985. He graduated from the National Defense Seminar, National War College, in Washington D.C. He was elected to the Nevada State Board of Education and served three consecutive terms.

His parents preceded him in death.

Among his survivors are wife Kay; son Mark Brown, (Wendy); step-grandsons Thomas and Michael Fultz of Carson City, Jamie Tierney (Joe; three great grandchildren, Reno, Misty Brown (Jay Howington) of Denver, Colo.; daughter Kathleen Diesner (Jeffrey; grandchildren Brock, Kiley, Court and Kenna of Spanish Springs; sister Shirley Brannon of Olympia, Wash. and eight nephews and nieces.

He leaves a legacy as a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and great grandfather who enjoyed the family summers spent at Brockway Springs, California. He was an ardent fan of the "Big Red" University of Nebraska Lincoln's football team.

A private memorial service will be held at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Fernley. A Celebration of Life gathering will be 2 p.m., Sunday, May 17, 2009 at the Diesner home in Spanish Springs.

Memorial donations may be made to Sepulveda Elementary School, 5075 Ion Drive, Sparks NV 89436 to honor Frank Brown's dedication to education.

A special "thank you" to the caring staff at the Transitional Care Unit at the Veterans Medical Center. Please share thoughts, memories or a condolence message in the family guestbook at www.waltonsfuneralhome.com