Aug. 16, 1919 - Feb. 3, 2009

ELKHART -- Fred Brown, 89, of Elkhart, died at 9:45 a.m. Tuesday (Feb. 3, 2009) in Miller's Merry Manor, Wakarusa.

He was born Aug. 16, 1919, in Manchester, Tenn., to Barney and Ola (Hamby) Brown. On Oct. 17, 1940, he married Thelma "Jean" Haggard in Manchester.

She survives in Wakarusa along with four daughters, Patti (Rob) King and Joyce (Roy) Malcom, both of Elkhart, Freda (Bob) Higgins of Punta Gorda, Fla., and Barbara (Dave) Stealy of Cortez, Colo.; eight grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Annie (George) Vandergriff of Manchester and Irene Franklin and Deany Cobble, both of Cookville, Tenn.

Six siblings preceded him in death.

Fred worked as a local delivery driver for Cobra Industries of Elkhart and Roman Wheels of Bristol for more than 25 years. He retired from Roman Wheels in the mid-1980s. He was a gifted and accomplished musician who had the ability to play any instrument or song completely by ear and without any prior lessons.

Music was his ministry, and he shared his talent with everyone. He loved older hymns and country gospel, and could often be heard singing hymns while he mowed his lawn, over the sound of the mower. He was a deacon and member of Northside Church of the Nazarene in Elkhart, and enjoyed spending time with his fellow congregation. He also was an avid vegetable gardener and loved to grow and give away his vegetables to all of his friends and family.

Friends may call from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, and one hour prior to Monday's 11 a.m. funeral service at the funeral home. Pastor Dwight Gosser of New Life Christian Fellowship, Bristol, will officiate. Burial will follow Monday's service in Olive Cemetery, Elkhart.

Memorials may be given to Northside Church of the Nazarene. Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences.