Roy Brown JR

Ancestors

Son of Roy Theodore Brown SR and Mary Hazel (Coffman) Brown

Descendants

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Carole Whittemore [send private message]

Biography

ROY THEODORE BROWN, JR - "PETE" 1926-2014
PFC - Indiana Guard, World War II

Roy Theodore Brown, Jr, age 88 and known as Pete, was born at home at 4304 N. Evanston, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana on March 16, 1926 and passed away Thursday, December 11, 2014 at his home in Beech Grove Meadows. He was the first born of six children born to Roy Theodore Brown, SR 1904-1974 and Mary "Hazel" COFFMAN Brown 1907-1988 and lifelong resident of Indianapolis, Indiana. Both parents as well as brother, Ernest Brown, and sisters, Marlene Widdifield, and Dorothy Jordan preceded him in death. Pete is survived by brothers, Alvin Earl Brown and wife, Lydia; Ronald Lee Brown and wife, Lois; and a brother in law, Dr. Duane Widdifield.

Children of Pete's Father, Roy and Mother, Hazel Brown:

• 1 - Roy Theodore Brown, JR 1926-2014
• 2 - Alvin "Earl" Brown 1928-2018
• 3 - Dorothy Christiana Brown 1929–2007
• 4 - Ernest "Ernie" Leon Brown 1933–2005
• 5 - Marlene LaVonne Brown 1936–2007
• 6 - Ronald Lee Brown 1942–living 2018

As a child, Pete attended Public School number 91 and then attended Arsenal Technical High School "Tech" in Indianapolis, Indiana. Unfortunately he dropped out of High School in the last part of his senior year because the teacher told everyone in his class that he was UGLY!! He left the classroom and never returned.

Pete followed in his Dad's footsteps and became a successful plumber starting with Wm. Steck Co., then his Dad's business - The Roy T Brown Plumbing and Heating Co, and finally in the Plumbing Union Company, Frank Irish until retirement. Unfortunately, an accidental dropping of one end of a very heavy iron pipe by a co-worker resulted in the amputation of Pete's little finger on his left hand. I remember Grandma Brown (his Mom) telling me the story of how she put his finger in an old glass alka-seltzer medicine bottle - tube and buried it in the ground between the old house and the plumbing garage. She said the old superstition was that if you bury it, he will not experience the phenomenon of ghost pain. Ghost pain or sensations are when amputees feel like the missing limb is still there, feeling it's too hot or too cold, or that there is an itch that needs to be scratched. I personally asked my Dad, Pete if he ever experienced it. He said no, so the old superstition must have worked!

The Brown Family LOVED fishing!! Roy Brown, SR owned a cottage at Loon Lake in northern Indiana where they went about every weekend during the summer. They even made their own boats! That's right, cut out the wood, sealed, fiber-glassed, had some really nice boats to use for fishing. They built their own dock and large floating dock at the end to fish from. It was a lot of fun for all of our families!! You could always be guaranteed the 500 race would be played loud outside so they could keep up with the races while they fished on Memorial Day.

Pete was musically inclined and took Hawaiian Guitar lessons - I remember hearing him play it and it made the most beautiful sound when he slid the bar across the strings. He also played the drums. I remember many, many weekends of fun at our home with Dad, Mom (Phyllis) and her brother, Duane Widdifield getting their band together. Pete played the drum or ukulele, Duane played the trumpet, piano, mandolin, ukulele - any instrument, and my Mom, Phyllis played the piano or organ - the BIG one 2 levels of keys and all kind of buttons to push, plus 2 octaves of foot pedals. They even had us kids play the "comb", haha - remember when you would put kleenex or toilet paper over a comb and hum through it to make music? That was the good old days!!

Roy T. Brown, Jr. enlisted in the Indiana Guard, Company G, 3rd Infantry on July 11, 1945 and received his Honorable Discharge as a PFC on July 7, 1947. He also received a letter from Governor of Indiana, Ralph F. Gates, for valiant and efficient duty at great personal sacrifice on the 9th of January 1946.

On the 20 of April 1946, Roy Theodore Brown, Jr. married Phyllis Elaine WIDDIFIELD 1926-2000, daughter of Clarence Eugene Widdifield 1903-1965 and Madge Delores GRAVES Widdifield 1904-1988, who preceded him in death in 2000. Pete and Phyllis were married in a Double Wedding ceremony with his brother, Alvin Earl Brown and Lydia Ciriello - BOTH couples, as well as his parents, celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversaries! Pete and Phyllis married a total of 53 yrs, 9 months and Earl and Lydia celebrated their 70th Anniversary on April 20, 2016.

Children of Pete and Phyllis Brown:

• 1 - Carole Anne Brown
• 2 - Roy Theodore Brown, III
• 3 - Jennifer Kay Brown 1950-2011
• 4 - Kathy Sue Brown

Pete was a member of East 49th St. Christian Church with Rev. Russell Blowers. When he moved to the far south side of Indianapolis, he attended Faith Assembly of God Church with Pastor James Munson, in Beech Grove until his health wouldn't permit, he then attended services at Beech Grove Manor. Pete was a devoted Christian and read the entire Bible every year.

Roy and his brothers went into the custom home business, Brown and Brown Builders, and built several homes around the far north side of Indianapolis. Pete was a fantastic woodworker and could do practically anything. He always made custom toys for the grandkids, kites, airplanes, whirlygigs, and celebration canons for the 4th of July. Pete and Phyllis would build special props for Faith Assembly of God Church in Beech Grove, Indiana. The Nursery still has the very Large Noah's Ark that they made. Pete made it all from scratch - ark and animals, then Phyllis would use her God given talent of artistry and decorate them so cute! Another item was the Child sized Covered Wagon for vacation Bible School. They always devoted their time and talents to help others.

Pete and his three brothers were employed with the Roy T Brown Plumbing Company owned by his Father for many years, then worked for Frank Irish Plumbing where he became a member of Local 440 Steam and Pipefitters Union of Indianapolis. By the way, did I mention the "Work-aholic Gene runs in the Brown Family?!! Ha,ha! He and his wife, Phyllis Brown, were also well known at their former business, The Fair Havens Tropical Fish and Supply Company in the Broad Ripple area for over 25 years.

Pete's wife, Phyllis was suddenly diagnosed with Cancer of the Lung in November 1999 and died at the age of 73 on January 11, 2000. She always took special care of "her man" and treated him like a king. She really spoiled him and taught us girls to follow in her footsteps on how to treat a man - - which we did until the women's liberation stormed the country. Then we would tell Dad, no - women do not do that anymore. Life changes as time changes but we still catered to our Dad. Oops, I better add the other side of the story here, my Dad ALWAYS treated our Mom and us girls like Queens. We were "girls" and "girls do not mow yards - that is a man's work". It was never one sided, He always treated women with respect and appreciation.

Every Friday night, daughters Kathy and Carole would go to Pete's home to stay for the week end. He was so lonely after Phyllis died. Son, Ted introduced his Dad to the internet and hooked him up to the modern world of communication. That was the first time I ever saw my Dad type! He did a really good job too. Then Kathy put Dad on some gardening sites and sights to meet people. He started communicating with several women as far away as Georgia. One lady even drove up to meet him too, but she was from England and he loved her accent. She was nice, but wasn't his type. After the death of Earl Lude, "Elsie" Elizabeth Martha HAAG Lude remained alone for ten years. She too was lonely and her son hooked her up to the internet. She became a pen-pal and met widower Roy "Pete" Theodore Brown, JR. on the internet. After a couple months of letters, Kathy and Carole encouraged Dad to "call" Elsie on the phone. She had such a cute German accent and gentle voice. This led to a trip over to Ohio to meet Elsie but with the daughters and spouses as chaperones, haha. They met in person on November 23, 2001 and from that moment they were never parted. Pete sold his home and moved to Martins Ferry, Ohio to be with the 2nd love of his life.

Pete then married Elizabeth Martha "Elsie" Haag Lude 1925-2010 of Martins Ferry, Ohio where he lived until her death in 2010.

In 2010, due to an illness Pete was diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (what TV Actor, John Ritter instantly died of) and needed surgery right away. Elsie accompanied him to the hospital in Indianapolis. However, the next morning she had trouble breathing and was herself admitted to a hospital by her son, Mike. Elsie and Pete kept contact through family and photos. On Friday, October 22, 2010 Elsie was well enough that her son, Mike and his wife Georgann brought Elsie to see her love, Pete whose surgery was successful. She was so beautiful, her eyes shining with love and so thrilled to see, touch, and kiss her sweetheart. It brought tears to everyone's eyes. Little did we all know this would be their "Last Kiss". Later that night Elsie called to talk to Pete on the phone and tell him how much she loved him and couldn't wait to go back to their home in Martins Ferry, Ohio. Then she made phone calls to her three children. As Elsie was brushing her beautiful hair getting ready for bed, she felt funny and called the nurse. Unfortunately, after trying to resuscitate her, Elsie passed away. She is buried with her husband in Ohio.

Pete was overcome with grief and moped around for four years before Kathy decided he needed to get his self an apartment and meet some new people his own age. He moved into Beech Grove Meadows where he enjoyed living to the end of his life. He met some nice ladies and had talked one little sweetheart into moving in with him after Christmas. Unfortunately, it broke her heart as well because on the 11th of December 2014 he passed away suddenly with no warning. He sat down on his bed, fell backwards and was gone.

Roy T. Brown, Jr. leaves behind three children: 1 - Carole Whittemore and husband, Gary; 2 - Roy T. Brown, III - "Ted" and wife, Debbie; and 3 - Kathy Sue Worth and husband David. 4 - Daughter, Jennifer Kay Shepherd preceded him in death in 2011.

Pete leaves behind 17 Grandchildren, 27 Great Grandchildren, and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren. One Great Grandson, Blake Dickus - age 10, preceded him in death in 2006 and is still an 10 year old UNsolved Murder case in Franklin, Indiana.

My Dad was an awesome man, he could do just about anything - plumber, electrician, builder, gardener, marksman, great sense of humor, loving Father that brought up his family to honor and respect others, but most of all, to Love God with all our hearts. He was always inventing something fun to do with us kids. Rocket launch with plastic bottles, homemade kites of all kinds, elaborate work saving techniques in starting and raising plants, raising prize winning tropical fish, appreciation of antiques, and much more. Just like the "Duracell Bunny" whose batteries never run out, "The Browns" are known to keep going, and going, and going! Dad died at the age of 88 years and 9 months - We were truly blessed!!

Burial at Memorial Park Cemetery where he has a shared stone with his wife, Phyllis Elaine WIDDIFIELD Brown. Bio and research by Daughter, Carole Anne Brown-44556 Whittemore on the 1st of December 2016.

Sources

Links: Ancestry.com
Links to ancestry.com may be accessed by Paid Members only

Birth 16 Mar 1926 Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, USA
Born at home 4304 N Evanston in the "old" home. Word of mouth from his Mom, My Grandma Mary "Hazel" COFFMAN Brown year 1966.

1930 Census
Place: Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana; Roll: 610; Page: 14A; Enumeration District: 79; Image: 423.0 **BROWN: Roy T 25, Hazel M 22, Roy T 4, Alvin E 2, Dorothy C 0.
[1] ancestry.com

1940 Census
Place: Indianapolis Marion Indiana Roll:T627_1130Page:6A Enumera tion District:96-336 BROWN: Roy T 34 Hazel 32 Roy 14 Alvin 12 Dorothy 6 Ernest 6 Marlene 3
[2] ancestry.com

Military: Enlisted - Indiana State Guard 11 Jul 1945 Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, USA Brown, Roy T Pfc enlisted July 11, 1945 at Indianapolis. Active duty Service State of Indiana From July 11, 1945 to July 1, 1947 Serving in First enlistment period at date of discharge
[3] ancestry.com

Letter to Pvt Roy T Brown, JR from Governor of Indiana
9 Jan 1946 Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, USA Letter of commendation to Pvt. Roy Theodore Brown, JR for valiant and efficient duty at great personal sacrifice from Governor of Indiana and Commander-in-Chief of the Indiana State Guard - Ralph F. Gates.
[4] ancestry.com

Marriage - Phyllis Elaine Widdifield 1926–2000
20 April 1946 Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, USA DOUBLE Wedding with brother Alvin Earl Brown and Lydia Ella Ciriello at Woodside Methodist Church Web: Marion County IN Marriages since1925 Name: Phyllis Widdifield Spouse: Roy Brown 20 Apr 1946
[5] biz.indygov.org

Personal Appearance
7 Jul 1947 Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, USA Said Roy Theodore Brown was born on March 16, 1926, in the State of Indiana. When enlisted he was 19 years of age and by occupation a Assembler. He had Brown eyes, Brown hair, Fair complexion and was 6 feet 2 inches in height. SOURCE: Honorable Discharge
[6] ancestry.com

Honorable Discharge - Indiana State Guard
7 Jul 1947 Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, USA This is to Certify, That Roy Theodore Brown Pfc Company "G" 2nd Bn 3rd Inf Ind. State Guard as a Testimonial of Honest and Faithful Service, is hereby HONORABLY DISCHARGED from the State Guard of Indiana
[7] ancestry.com

Brown & Brown Builders - Custom Homes
1950 Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, USA Brothers and builders of custom homes.
[8] ancestry.com

The Fair Havens Tropical Fish & Supply Company
1958 Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, USA Pete and Phyllis opened their own business at their property. A well known tropical fish store for 25 years before retiring it.
[9] ancestry.com

Residence U.S. Public Records Index, Volume 1
1987 Indianapolis, IN Name: Roy T Brown Jr Birth Date: 16 Mar 1926 Address: 6549 Goldenbell, Indianapolis, IN, 46203-6237 (1987) [4134 Hickory Trl W, Indianapolis, IN 46203-6236 1995 4133 Hickory Trl W 6430 E Southport Rd 3605 Daylight Ct
[10] ancestry.com

Honor Brick at Camp Atterbury - Indiana State Guard
2010 Camp Atterbury, Johnson County, Indiana, USA Brick in honor of service in the Indiana State Guard
[11] ancestry.com

Health
11 Dec 2014 Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, USA Diagnosed: (1) AFIB 2001
(2) By Passes-6 2001
(3) Pacemaker: 2001 & 2008
(4) Aortic Abdominal Aneurysm 2010
(5) Partial Familial Paralysis - Hereditary (Coffman Line)
(6) 1962 Heart Attack
(7) 1981 age 55 Allergies: Penicillin
Personal knowledge of daughter, Kathy Sue Brown Worth 2014

Death 11 Dec 2014 Beech Grove, Marion, Indiana, USA 6:45 am home at Beech Grove Meadows Indiana Death Certificate Local #009251, 000000419833
[12] ancestry.com

Burial & Findagrave Memorial # 139926996
16 Dec 2014 Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, USA Memorial Park EAST Cemetery Name: Pfc Roy Theodore Brown Jr Birth: 16 Mar 1926 Birth Place: Indpls IN Death: 11 Dec 2014 Death Place: Indpls IN Bio: Yes Findagrave Memorial # 139926996 Findagrave Memorial # 139926996 Pfc Roy Theodore "Pete" Brown, JR 1926-2014 created and maintained by Carole Whittemore #46909143
[13] FindAGrave.com

Residence
11 Dec 2015 Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana, USA U.S. Obit Collection Name: Roy Theodore Pete Brown Gen: Male Age: 88 Death: 11 Dec 2014 Death Place: Beech Grove Meadows Obit Date: 3 Apr 2015 Newspaper: Indiana Birth: 16 Mar 1926 Spouse: Phyllis Elaine Widdifield
[14] ancestry.com

Ancestry.com DNA MATCH:
Blankenship Tree - 3rd Great-Grandmother Matilda Sampson 1806-1880
Blankenship Tree - 3rd Great-Grandfather William B Statom 1805-1874
Blankenship Tree - 3rd Great-Grandfather William M Hatter 1790-1860
COFFMAN Tree - 3rd Great-Grandmother Kitty Johns 1770-1830
COFFMAN Tree - 3rd Great-Grand father Richard Ellis 1770-1827
COFFMAN Tree - 3rd Great-Grandfather William Killies Vaught 1812-1890
COFFMAN Tree - 2nd Great-Grandfather John Jacob Coffman 1812-1888
COFFMAN Tree - 2nd Great-Grandmother Nancy Ann ELLIS Coffman 1813-1903

Ancestry.com
My Brown Roots by CaroleAnne269 Bio and research by Daughter, Carole Anne Brown-44556 Whittemore
[15] ancestry.com