Richard Brown

Richard Dwayne Brown, one of three children of Dwayne S. and Freda Pauline (Peacock) Brown, was born July 15, 1945 in Pawnee City, Nebraska. He attended school in Pawnee City until his family moved his sophomore year to Ashland, Nebraska. Richard graduated from Ashland High School in 1963. Right after high school he joined the U.S. Navy, and made a career of the Navy for the next 20 years.

While stationed in Idaho, Richard met his future wife Donna Shaw. He joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 1970, and they were married January 30, 1971 in Aberdeen, Idaho. They were later sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple in March of 1972. Four children were born to this union: Andrea, Richard, Vicki, and David.

Richard was stationed in several different places and attended several schools for his military training. He was assigned to four different nuclear submarines while in the Navy. Richard retired from the Navy in 1982 after serving 20 years. He then went to work for NPPD at Cooper Nuclear Station and retired in 2003.

After retiring, Richard enjoyed traveling and visiting his kids and grandkids. He was very active in his church where he was the bishop of his ward for five years, and held other callings and leadership responsibilities. Richard was a member of the Kiwanis Club and served as president of the club, and belonged to toastmasters during his time at Cooper. He loved music of all kinds, especially classical. He played the French horn and trumpet in high school and also played the piano and organ. His favorite pastime, however, was reading.

After battling illness and becoming bed-ridden at home where Donna took care of his every need, Richard passed away having reached the age of 67 years, 4 months, and 28 days. He always had a great sense of humor up until his passing. Richard was preceded in death by his parents.

Richard is survived by his wife Donna of Auburn; children Andrea and husband Sam Pfeifer of Plattsmouth, Richard, Jr. and wife Mandy of Kalaheo, HI, Vicki and husband Jason Krause of Lincoln, David and wife Tangela of Taylorsville, UT; grandchildren Colton and Reid Pfeifer; Tyler, Trevor, Travis, Tyson, Taylor, Maile, and Tanner Brown; Logan, Jeff, James, Adam, Pierson, Elliot, and Eleanora Krause; Braden and Bailey Brown; sister Gail Dreher of Helena, MT; brother Ronald and wife Melody Brown of Columbus, NE; other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were Monday, December 17, 2012 at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Nebraska City, officiated by Bishop Troy Bennett. A solo by Sandy Jorgenson and congregational hymns were accompanied by June Bennett. Pallbearers were Richard D. Brown, Jr., David A. Brown, Sam Pfeifer, Jason Krause, Colton Pfeifer, and Reid Pfeifer. Grandchildren served as honorary bearers. Burial was in Sheridan West Cemetery near Auburn, with graveside military honors by the Navy Military Honors Team and the Nebraska National Guard Honor Guard.