Lifetime Fulton County resident, Frederick J. “Fred” Brown, 98, departed this life at 3:55 a.m., Feb. 3, 2019, at Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester. This followed a brief illness.

On Jan. 7, 1921, Frederick James Brown was born in Fulton County. He was a treasured son of Eugene and Nancy Ella Winn Brown.

He was one of ten Brown children, sharing his childhood with five sisters and three brothers. During his formative years he learned a strong work ethic growing up during the depression years.

A member of the greatest generation, he answered the call of duty serving our country during World War II with the United States Army from 1942 – 1946. During his stint of service he was stationed in New Guinea, Luson, Korea and the Philippine Islands. During this time he was in continuous combat for 112 days on the shores of the Lingayen Gulf, Luson and Cabaruan Hills, Philippines. Prior to his honorable discharge on Dec. 22, 1945, he ascended to the rank of Sergeant of Company G 1st Infantry.

Sgt. Fred J. Brown was highly decorated earning 3 bronze stars, sharpshooter rifle badge, combat infantryman badge, WWII Victory Medal. American Theater Ribbon, Asiatic-PacificTheater Ribbon, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon.

At Richland Center, he married Geraldine Briney on Nov. 11, 1951. From their union came three wonderful children: David, Nancy and Larry. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of two more generations.

As an entrepreneur, Fred owned and operated a Mobil fuel route for Cities Service, delivering gas, oil and diesel, to his customers from 1951 through 1984. During this time he garnered many friendships with his diverse customer base. After 30 plus years he sold the company to Farm Bureau Co-op of Rochester.

An esteemed community leader, Mr. Brown served Fulton County as Commissioner and Drainage Board Member both from 1975 – 1983, a four-year member of the Rochester School Board, Rochester Water Board for 8 1/2 years, and the Fulton County Alcohol and Beverage Commission 2003 – 2017. He was past president of the Northwest County Commissioners, consisting of 16 counties.

Mr. Brown’s memberships include: a 60-year member of International Order of Odd Fellows Lodge, Eagles Lodge # 852, LeRoy Shelton American Legion Post #36, and the Manitou VFW Post # 1342.

To relax he enjoyed 25 years of experiences and adventures, heading to the golf course to have fun with his friends on local greens. He was an accomplished kegler, bowling for more than a half century. He played in many competitive tournaments all over the United States with his friends Joe Quick, Bob Wagoner, Dick Newell and Bob Delp.

Paramount in his life was his family. As the patriarch, Grandpa Fred was proud to oversee four generations. He loved family get togethers. the holidays and special family celebrations. Many memories were made just a few weeks ago, with his family celebrating his 98th birthday, complete with a pizza party and cake.

Left to cherish Fred’s memory are his three children: David A. Brown of Rochester, Nancy Tilden and husband Jeff of Akron, Larry Brown and wife Shallie of Huntington; three grandchildren: Ryan Tilden and wife Andee of Warsaw, Wendy Tilden and Fiancee’ Matt Roswog of Kokomo, Reiley Brown of Huntington; three great-grandchildren: Noa Tilden, Brody Tilden, and Parker Roswog; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death are his parents, wife, five sisters: Maxine Sifford, Fern Jackson, Pauline Hill, Ruth Kochenderfer, Elsie Ball; three Brown brothers: Orlo, Earl and Robert; and another brother who passed away during infancy.

A celebration of the life of Mr. Fred Brown will be at 10 a.m., Friday, Feb. 8, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th St., Rochester. Pastor Phil Pratt will officiate. Friends may visit with the family from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday. At 7 p.m., the IOOF Lodge will conduct a memorial service. There will be a visitation Friday one hour prior to his service. Military rites will be accorded by the Fulton County Veteran’s Honor Guard and the US Army Honors Team. Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.