Merrill Brown

Merrill Brown of Cheney passed away Nov. 19, 2013 at the age of 82, peacefully surrounded by family and friends singing hymns.

He was born July 8, 1931 in Mt. Hope, the fourth child of Howard Brown and Maud (DeFord) Brown.

Merrill went to college and graduated with honors, majoring in agriculture. He was drafted into the Army in 1953 where he was trained in the AAA Battalion to use the 75mm anti-aircraft gun. After being discharged he met the love of his life, Joyce Doreen Paul. They were happily married for 54 years and had five children.

Merrill was truly "Farmer Brown." Along with regular farming duties, he was a dairy supplier for Darigold for 42 years. He was wholeheartedly enthusiastic about playing and watching sports. He liked to compete at board games.

Merrill was a devoted follower of Christ. He and Joyce spent their lives in service and outreach. They were faithfully involved in ministering in the church, especially to children, prisoners and the elderly. He left a long legacy of lives that were touched and will continue to be touched by his commitment. Merrill was excited about the soon return of his Lord and will sleep quietly next to Joyce until that day when the trumpet sounds.

He was preceded in death by Joyce and his sister Shirley (Brown) Baker. He is survived by his five children: Vernon Brown and his wife Barbara; Sue (Brown) Eastman and her husband Ron; Dan Brown and his wife Shari: Sharon (Brown) Hall-Momb and her husband Randy; Doug Brown and his wife Dorice. He is also survived by five grandchildren; Bethany, Mikayla, Jackie, Jordan and Dillon and his brother Reade Brown and sister Connie (Brown) Schroeder.

A memorial service will be held at Spokane Valley Adventist Church, 1601 S. Sullivan Road Dec. 1 at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, you can donate to Pathfinders or the Fourwinds Seventh Day Adventist Church at 3715 S. Grove Road, Spokane WA 99224.