Harlan Brown (Bolivar)'s Obituary
Harlan Callaway (H.C.) Brown, son of Eugene “Gene” and Winnie Faye
Callaway Brown was born December 11, 1923 near Halfway, Missouri and departed this life Saturday, March 2, 2019 at Citizens Memorial Healthcare Facility, Bolivar, Missouri at the age of 95. He was a descendent of several pioneer Polk County families.He was saved Saturday October 13, 1934 and was baptized the following day by his father, Pastor Gene Brown and was a life-long member of Pleasant View Missionary Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday School for many years and was ordained a Deacon in 1968.
He graduated from Halfway High School and farmed with his father until serving his country during World War II by enlisting in the U.S. Coast Guard - Merchant Marines in 1945 and served aboard three Victory Ships in the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters: U. S. Costa Rica Victory, George W. Campbell and President Johnson. This instilled in him a love of the sea and the world.
On July 30, 1946 Harlan was united in marriage to Genevieve Looney and to this union two children were born: Linda Faye and William Eugene. Genevieve lost her battle with breast cancer in 1986.
Upon returning from the service in 1947, he began custom farming and also met a neighbor, Walter Rainey, who had taught watchmaking in Kansas City, Missouri. Harlan found his true calling and in 1956 began a 50 plus year career. He was honored by the Missouri Jewelers and Watchmakers Association in 1996 for 40 years of service to the trade.
Harlan always liked all things mechanical and enjoyed taking things apart and putting them back together better. On January 28, 1988 Harlan was united in marriage to Edna Maxine Morris and they enjoyed many years of traveling, especially the West for several weeks each time. They always looked for pocket watches and had fond memories of their travels.
Harlan was preceded in death by his parents, brother Harold Eugene, Genevieve and special Uncle Columbus “Lum” Brown. Harlan is survived by his wife Edna, daughter, Linda (Stan) Austin, son, William “Bill” (Glenda) Brown, grandchildren: Mary (Ray) Jones, Steve (Rebecca) Austin, David (Amanda) Brown, great-grandchildren: Journey Jones, Paisley and Payson Brown and Lucy and Vivienne Austin. He is also survived by two step children: Darlene (Robert) Parrett and Lendell (Linda) Morris , step grandchildren: Lori, Larry and Tom; Six step great-grandchildren and one step great-great-granddaughter; Several cousins and five nieces and one nephew and friends.
A funeral service for Harlan Brown will be held Saturday, March 9, 2019 at 11 AM at the Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar, MO. The family will receive guests an hour prior to the service. Burial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made in Harlan's honor to the charity of the donor's choice.
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