BROWN, Ralph Manley 1899 - 1985

BROWN, GOSSICK, GILBERT

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 5/25/2021 at 20:23:28

"The Fairfield (Ia.) Ledger"
Friday, December 6, 1985
Page 12, Columns 1 and 2

BROWN, longtime deputy, dies

Ralph M. BROWN, lifetime resident of Fairfield who served as deputy sheriff of Jefferson County longer than any other person, died at 4 a.m. today at his home at 105 E. Madison. His death followed a lengthy illness.

Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the Raymond Funeral Home with the Rev. Charles Kincaid officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home at their convenience. Memorials may be made to the Fairfield Public Library.

Ralph M. BROWN was born Dec. 23, 1899, in Fairfield. He was the son of Zell and Margaret GOSSICK BROWN. He was married to Mary Ann GILBERT who survives. Other survivors include nieces and nephews.

BROWN assumed his duties as deputy sheriff of Jefferson County when he was appointed to the post Nov. 22, 1943, by Thomas Howell, now deceased.

BROWN not only served as deputy sheriff for 33 years, he also served as the county's parole officer, law consultant and courthouse adviser.

He was not an attorney. During the early part of his adult life he studied law and worked in a law office planning to enter law school, and continued his quest for legal knowledge after his appointment as deputy sheriff.

He became the law barrister of the courthouse and was continually called upon for legal advice by peace officers and county officials.

Because BROWN was born and reared in Fairfield his mind was a storehouse for countless historical facts, anecdotes and amusing happenings.

As a young man BROWN was employed at the Fairfield Post Office delivering special delivery mail. His vehicle was a bicycle which he at one time said was "tough going in the winter."

BROWN graduated from the Fairfield High School and from parsons College in 1922. While in high school and college he was active in athletics, both football and basketball.

Following his college graduation he was employed in the law office of the late R. C. Leggett.

BROWN's father owned and operated a meat market on the south side of the square. Following his father's death, BROWN quit the law business to assist his brother in operating the market.

BROWN closed the shop during World War II when he received his notice to report for military duty. But before his date to report, the government reduced the age limit from 45 to 38 years of age, making him ineligible for service.

His business being closed, he worked at John Morrell and Co. in Ottumwa until his appointment as deputy sheriff.

BROWN was the guest of honor at a retirement party held at the Elks dining room Dec. 8, 1976. Those attending included district court judges, county officials, peace officers, the clergy and longtime friends.

BROWN was a member of the Elks Lodge and affiliated with First Christian Church.

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*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.

Note: Buried in Lot 3rd.126½. Wife Mary died in 1993 and is buried with him.

Jefferson Obituaries maintained by Joey Stark.
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