Raymond "Ray" Lee Brown

Raymond Lee Brown passed away peacefully on June 3, 2026. He was 95.

Ray was born February 10, 1931, to Vernon and Dorothy Brown in Salina, Kansas. He was the youngest of two children. His older sister, Marjorie Moore passed in 1981 at the age of 53.

The Brown family lived in Salina, Kansas. At the time Ray was born, the family lived in a one bedroom house that Ray’s father and Grandfather built on the outskirts of town. Located on a small piece of ground the family owned for generations. Today, the house is now surrounded by several homes in the middle of Salina, on Brown Street.

At the age of 7, Ray became critically ill, to the point where Vernon and Dorothy were told their son may not survive. Later, he was diagnosed with Scarlett Fever. With a better understanding of the illness, the disease was cured and Ray was able to return home after a couple of months. Not long after his illness, the Browns decided it would be best to live closer to the hospital and schools, and moved into town.

Both of Ray’s parents were hardworking people, Dorothy kept the books for their holdings while caring for the 2 children; And Vernon, who was a gifted Mechanic and Entrepreneur, was a Conductor for the Union Pacific Railroad, Manager for the Brown Family Farms, and Managing Partner of a grocery store in Lincoln, Kansas.

Ray and his father were very close. Whenever Ray had an opportunity to spend time with Vernon he would, whether it be just riding the train, loading hay, repairing farm implements, or simply sweeping the store floor, he was there and eager to learn.

As a teenager, he became fascinated with engines; and, who better to mentor him than his father. In High School the place to be on the weekends was the Brown’s house. A place where Ray’s buddies could meet and work on their cars.

Or, at the least, have Ray or his Dad work on their cars. Unfortunately, for his buddies, it was also in High School that he traded his love for engines, for the Love of his life. The one he referred to as his “ Forever Sweetheart”, Patricia Ann Hammond.

In 1950, Ray enlisted into the Navy. Before Boot Camp he was a 6’2”, 140 pound boy who had never seen the ocean, nor could he swim. After Boot Camp he was a man, weighing in at 180 lbs. Pat remembers thinking when she met him at the train station shortly after Boot Camp, “Who is this guy, and what have I got myself into.” On January 6, 1952, while still in the Navy, Pat and Ray were married.

During Ray’s service in the Navy they were stationed in Patuxent, Maryland. While there he specialized in Aeronautical Mechanics and Maintenance. He was a natural, and soon to be a shining star. All the years he spent working alongside his dad had paid off. Long story short, he was soon assigned to fly with Captain Alan Shepard, and given the chief mechanical responsibilities of the Captain’s plane. Many of you may not remember, or even know, that Alan Shepard was the 6th man to walk on the moon. For Ray, It was the honor and experience of a lifetime. The two men became good friends, Captain Shepherd was 11 years older than Ray and had a reputation of being a “Loose Cannon”. Ray said Captain Shepherd was just easily bored and at times would buzz the towers for fun.

After Ray’s service in the Navy, Ray and Pat returned to Salina where Ray worked for Pat’s dad as an electrician and Varner Smith Construction building homes.

In May of 1954, Ray and Pat welcomed Robert Ray “Bobby” into their lives. In January, 1957, a second son was born, David Lee. Coincidently the Doctor delivering their sons, also delivered Ray. Also in 1957, Boeing Wichita began a campaign to hire as many employees as possible, specifically targeting Aeronautical Mechanics. The Brown’s loaded up and moved to “The Big City”.

In March of 1960, they got their Baby girl, Deborah Ann. As the kids got older and started participating in sports, scouts, and other activities, Ray and Pat would always volunteer to help in any way they could. For many years Ray was the assistant coach for the Boys and Pat would manage the concession stands (with Debbie by her side).

Unfortunately, as many will remember during Boeing’s pinnacle, when employment was high with government contracts were slow, unpaid furloughs were common. Many Wichitan’s were laid off and struggled to make ends meet. When furloughed, Ray and Pat would work at whatever and whenever they could until Ray was rehired. This pattern happened too often, Ray decided to return to construction. Soon he was managing larger projects for Wichita’s larger contractors. The work was dependable but hard, with long hours. In 1982, Ray, Pat, and son David started their own construction company, “Professional Contractors”.

Also, in 1982, Ray and Pat began volunteering their time supporting the American Legion Post 401. Ray began to emcee the entertainment and bands, while Pat was in charge of hiring. Over the years, they made wonderful friends and memories. They loved to dance. Pat said it was the most fun they’d had since High School. Ray as the emcee with a microphone was pure entertainment. Once again, Ray was a natural and shining star. His friends said he was definitely in his element and damn good at it.

In 2010, Ray suffered a major stroke that changed their lives forever. His communicative skills were impaired. Ray could understand what others were saying, but he couldn’t find the correct words to reply. He required help to walk. His balance was never the same, but he refused dependence and fell and broke his hip. The hip was replaced. However, at this point he was in his mid eighties and never fully recovered from his injury. In his 90’s, he was bound to his bed, his communication had declined and he was virtually blind.

When Pat passed in 2024, his spirit and will to live was broken. As difficult as it was to continue without her, he did so, with unimaginable strength, and the faith of knowing that someday we would all be together again. On the day before he passed, his 3 children were together with him sharing stories of his wonderful past.

Raymond Lee Brown was a very Good and Kind Man.Ray was a Great Son, Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather. And, what most people don’t know, he was a very gifted singer.

Survivors include; children, Robert Brown and wife Jean, David Brown, Debbie and husband Paul Wiebe, 6 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren (one preceded in death) and 4 great great grandchildren.

Visitation will be 6:00pm to 8:00 pm, Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Downing & Lahey West Mortuary. Funeral Service will be Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at Asbury Church. Graveside Service will be 2:00 pm at Greenwood Cemetery.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.