Cecil “Ray” Brown, 74, of Longford, Kansas, died on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at the Clay County Medical Center in Clay Center, Kansas.
Ray was born at home in McRoberts, Kentucky on March 12, 1949. He was born to Cecil and Minnie (Gustin) Brown. They later moved to Milford, Kansas where he grew up with his siblings, Sheila Roesler and Bert Brown. Ray attended Milford Elementary and then went on to Wakefield for High school. He played many sports growing up. Ray was a well-rounded man who worked many jobs during his life. There was nothing he couldn’t do. His family leaned on his knowledge often, always wanting to learn more of what he knew. He was never afraid to take on a new challenge. Ray also loved anything and everything outdoors. He loved hunting, trapping, and fishing. He also loved his daily drives around the countryside: one bright and early when the animals would be moving, and then again right before dusk.
Ray first married Debbie ‘Cramer’ in June of 1970. Together they had 3 children: Heather, Bronson, and Kade. They divorced many years later.
Ray married Debby ‘Kriley’ in 1987. Debby had 2 daughters: Jenna and Shana. They later divorced but remained best friends. Ray always remained dad to Jenna and Shana.
Ray is survived by his children Heather Collette (Jeff) of Kansas City, Bronson Brown (Debbie) of Wakefield, Jenna Gernhard of Olsburg, Shana Roether (Brad) of Milford. He is also survived by many grandchildren: Alexis, Ashley, Kayden and Lane Collette all of Kansas City, Maggie and Mallie Brown of Wakefield, Tyler Gernhard of Auburn Nebraska, Tristan Meade of Centralia, and great granddaughter Marley Meade of Centralia. He was preceded in death by son Kade Brown, his parents Cecil and Minnie Brown, and Sister Sheila Roesler.
Ray’s family will be having a Celebration Of Life on Sunday, September 10th from 1-4PM at Deacon’s Lodge, 301 Dogwood St Wakefield, KS 67487. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ray Brown Memorial Fund to be designated later by the family and can be sent in care of Heather Collette 11101 Nogard Avenue Kansas City, Kansas 66109 or in care of the Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home 918 7th St Clay Center, Kansas 67432.
