Eugene Francis Brown

Funeral Services for Eugene Francis "Gene" Brown will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 16, 2013 at Gillette Memorial Chapel with Kenna Rose officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, November 15, 2013 at Gillette Memorial Chapel.Eugene Francis "Gene" Brown, 86, passed away surrounded by family on November 12, 2013 at Pioneer Manor Nursing Home.Gene was born September 11, 1927 in New York City, New York to Frank and Annabelle (Stewart) Brown. At the age of 18, Gene left high school and joined the Army in November 1945. He was honorably discharged from the service in December 1946 from Fort MacDill in Florida. After discharge from the service, he met and married Carolyn Carter in Florida in 1947 and to the union a daughter, Sandra was born in 1948. They later divorced. Gene moved to Casper, Wyoming and it was there that he met the love of his life, Mary B. Kearns. They were married in November 1951 in Casper. Four children were born of this union; Sheila, Rick, Mike and Dave. Gene and Mary were married for 48 years before Mary passed away in April 1999.As Gene was growing up and later in life, his employment consisted of a variety of jobs. While he was in high school, he worked part-time for the Wyoming Grocery Company from 1943 to 1945 as a warehouse man. When he returned to Casper after the service, he went to work driving a taxi cab until he went to work for Dowell Chemical Company, where he was transferred to many places in Wyoming, landing in Gillette in February 1962. After working in the oilfields for many years, Gene changed professions and went to work for Decker's Food Center as a manager of the Kwik Shop, and later as a tire salesman for Neil's Tire Service and a security guard at the mines for Pinkerton Security. After retirement, he returned to work part time doing odd jobs delivering newspapers, delivering pizzas, worked at Craig's Vending and as a counterperson for Cummins.Gene was an avid bowler who achieved many accomplishments during his bowling years including being the oldest bowler in the league in 2010. After Gene had to quit bowling due to his failing health, he enjoyed going up and watching and visiting with the "guys" on Monday evenings. On Wednesday's he always looked forward to going to lunch with the "lunch bunch" at Perkins and then he would go and watch the "girls" bowl and visit on the Wednesday afternoon league. He made many friends through bowling and these friendships continued up until the time of his death. Gene enjoyed going fishing and camping, doing crossword puzzles, working with stained glass, playing games and listening to his music on the computer, and sitting outside in his rocking chair on the front porch watching the traffic go by. Gene also enjoyed relaxing in his rocker recliner being surrounded by his three pugs: Chigger, Gabby, and Skittles as they all napped in the afternoons. He also enjoyed having family and the grandchildren coming over to visit. He just enjoyed having family and the grandchildren coming over to visit. He just enjoyed being around people being able to visit and reminisce about events that had happened.Gene is survived by his children, Sheila Brown of Gillette, Rick Brown of Boise, ID, and Dave Brown of Gillette; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.Gene is preceded in death by his wife Mary, son Michael, infant grandson Brandon, parents Frank and Annabelle, sister Rosalie Bannister, and daughter Sandra Jean Ragusa.Memorials may be made to the Gillette Bowling Association in Memory of Gene Brown. Memorials and Condolences may be sent to Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5th Street Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences also may be posted at www.gillettememorialchapel.comFuneral Home:Gillette Memorial Chapel210 West Fifth Street Gillette, WYUS 82716