Lester LeRoy Brown

Lester LeRoy Brown, age 81, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 18, 2021 in the comfort of his home. Lester was born on September 19, 1940 in Elkhart to the late Floyd N. Brown and Winfred A. (Troyer) Brown. Lester married Mary I. (Oaks) Brown, together they raised their three daughters. Jae, Tonya and Laura. On January 1, 1989, he married Arleta “Sue” Ogeltree. She died on October 22, 2009.  In addition to his parents, Lester is preceded in death by his first wife Mary I. Brown, sister Marlene and a grandson Mark Alter.

Survivors include daughters Janae “Jae” A. Lawrence, Tonya M. Emerson and Laura L. Brown; 7 grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Lester retired as a machinist for a local parts manufacturer. He openly shared his recovery with friends and family. Lester was proud of his 41 years of sobriety with Alcoholics Anonymous.  

He enjoyed being outside, working in and taking care of his yard. Lester thoroughly enjoyed riding his lawn tractors around his property. But at the end of the day, he wanted to be remembered as being helpful and useful. Lester, you were so much more, you are loved by many and will be missed. . Lester was very handy and could fix most anything, but he always said “he couldn’t fix a broken heart, but he could make a broken heart feel less broken.

A memorial service for Lester LeRoy Brown will be held in the Spring, details will be announced.  

Memorial contributions may be given to the Wounded Warrior Project or Traditions Hospice.

Arrangements are under the care of Billings Funeral Home, Elkhart, where condolences may be made online at www.billingsfuneralhome.com

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