Daryl Aaron Brown, 74, of Brule, passed away on April 16, 2024, in Denver, Colorado.
Daryl was born on November 18, 1949, in Ogallala, NE, to Philip A. and Pauline M. (Ross) Brown. Daryl received his early education at West Vail, District 61, and later graduated from Brule High School with the class of 1968.
In 1971, Daryl married Janelle Johnson, and they welcomed a son, Trenton Brown. The marriage ended in May of 1975.
Daryl attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, returning to Brule in the spring of 1973 and completing his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education in May 1976. He began his career working for Johnson Construction until 1974, when he purchased and remodeled a hardware store, which was formerly his grandfather Joshua Brown's pool hall. In 1978, after selling the hardware store, Daryl began farming the family farm. He dedicated 25 years to farming before joining Union Pacific Railroad, where he worked as a remote control engineer and conductor at Bailey Yards.
In 1978, Daryl married Jo Etta Latham, and they were blessed with two children, Ashlie Brown and Adam Brown.
Daryl was an integral part of his community, contributing nearly 25 years to the Brule Fire Department and nearly 50 years to the Brule Lions Club, where he served as an officer for many years. He was also a founding officer of the Brule Housing Authority and a member of the Nebraska National Trails Museum, the National Railroad Historical Society for over 25 years, the Elks Club, and the Kiwanis Club. His commitment to community service extended to his participation in the St. Luke's Catholic Church Choir and his substantial contributions as a blood donor, having donated nearly 10 gallons.
Daryl's hobbies included motorcycle riding, often visiting Sturgis, working with model trains-a passion for over 60 years-sailing, and flying as a private pilot.
Known for his quiet, thoughtful nature and dry sense of humor, Daryl often expressed pride in his children's achievements and their community involvement.
Daryl was preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Pauline Brown, and his in-laws, Ralph and Edna Latham, as well as his brother-in-law, William E. (Nellie) Anderson. He is survived by his loving wife, Jo Brown of Brule; children, Adam (Amanda Gilmore) Brown of Windsor, CO, Ashlie (Cody Butt) Brown of Denver, CO, and Trent (Shannon) Brown of Lincoln, NE; six grandchildren; sister, Patricia (Clifford) Welsh; brother-in-law, Dennis Latham; two nephews and three nieces, along with many other relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Brule Lions Club, Brule Fire Department, or the Lewy Body Dementia Association in memory of Daryl. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the Mass will be streamed live.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 AM on Friday, April 26, 2024, at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Ogallala with Father Bryan Ernest as Celebrant. A Rosary will be recited half an hour prior to the Mass. Interment will follow in the Ogallala Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Thursday from 3 PM to 6 PM at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Ogallala.
Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.