John Lewis Brown, 89

MILTON - John Lewis Brown of Milton, formerly of Rehoboth Beach, died peacefully Sunday, Dec. 16, 2007, in Beebe Medical Center, Lewes. He was 89.

Mr. Brown was born in Clayton, son of the late John Lewis Stanley Brown and Jessie (Cannon) Brown.

Prior to serving in the U.S. Army during World War II overseas, he operated a country grocery store in Williamsville.

After the war he worked for Shoregas of Dover, and during the servicing of accounts in the lower shore area he met his future wife and moved to Rehoboth Beach.

Mr. Brown began his work with RE Wilson and Sons doing plumbing and delivering mobile flame gas boilers, which he bought in 1953 and operated until 1967.

At this time he began his career as maintenance supervisor of the Rehoboth Beach Municipal Building for the City of Rehoboth Beach, retiring in 1979.

Mr. Brown enjoyed beautification of the city and being outside working with people so much that he went back to work at the city and was known for the beautification of the center islands on Rehoboth Avenue and for the raising of the flags at the bandstand.

He was a member of the Rehoboth Beach Lions Club, having joined in 1972; member of the Delaware Association of Nurserymen since 1987; member of the Rehoboth Beach Chamber of Commerce since 1975; and member of the Rehoboth Beach Kiwanis Club since 1990.

Mr. Brown was also very involved in many Masonic organizations, including the Jefferson Lodge where he was a 32 degree mason, Ocean City Shrine Club, Nur Temple of Wilmington, and the Lower Delaware Shrine Club.

He served in the U.S. Army and was a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars of Rehoboth Beach, where he had served as post commander for each.

He was a life member and oldest living member of the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as chief.

Over the years he was given numerous awards by many local and state organizations for his untiring support and aid to those in his community needing help.

Mr. Brown was one of the founders of the Rehoboth Aid Society since the 1960s.

His presence in Rehoboth Beach and attention to detail in the beautification of the city will be sorely missed, and his friendly smile while serving as parade marshall at many of the local parades will be fondly remembered.

Mr. Brown is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ellen Moore Brown; daughter, Barbara Dennis; son-in-law, Woodrow Dennis; granddaughter, Dawn E. Crouch, all of Milton; and two sisters, Eleanor Semans and friend Frank Rothermel and Doris Townsend and husband John, all of Milford.

Funeral services with full fireman honors will be 11 a.m. Friday in the Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may call one hour prior to services and from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday.

Masonic rites will be 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Burial will follow the Friday services at Epworth Methodist Cemetery, Rehoboth Beach, with full military honors.

Contributions are suggested to Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, 3551 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19140.