Ricky Lee Brown

 

Ricky Lee Brown, 59 of Marion, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on September 14, 2024 after a long, hard battle with cancer. Ricky, or Rick as he was fondly referred to by his family and friends, was born on July 3, 1965 in Marion to Jack and Joan (Crabtree) Brown.

After Rick graduated from Pleasant High School in 1984, he went on join the US Navy, and he proudly served his country until February of 1989. In June of 1989, Rick met Marianne, the true love of his life and they spent 35 wonderful years together.

Rick was employed at Marion Correctional Institution for 33 years. He first began working as a guard and then he later transferred to the maintenance department as a plumber. He retired in February of 2023.

Rick will always be remembered as a person who would give you the shirt off his back, especially to his children and grandchildren. He was the type of person you could call if you needed help with any kind of home or car maintenance, and he would be right over to lend a hand and offer a solution.

Rick enjoyed traveling in his motorhome across the United States with his caring wife, and they often visited extended family in both California and Oregon. He was also known for cooking wonderful meals for his family including a variety of meats, lasagna and cheesecake. His homemade recipes for barbecue sauce, salad dressing and meat rub are a treasure that he was able to pass on to his children and grandchildren to make and enjoy for many years to come.

In 2020, Rick purchased a brand new Jeep Gladiator, as an early retirement gift to himself, after being influenced by his grandson, Dylan, who had also recently purchased one. This particular vehicle was his prized possession, and he drove it until July of this year.

Rick will be greatly missed by his wife and parents as well as his children: son, Jim (Joyce) Brewer of Marion, daughter, Aimee (John) Severns of Marion, daughter, Danielle (Shannon) Detillion of Marion, and son, Matthew (Kaitlyn) Brown of Marion; grandchildren Nick (Kristi) Brewer, Ryan (Natalie) Brewer, Dylan Brewer, Marissa (Cody) Wilhite, Liam Severns, Abbi Detillion, Shannon Detillion Jr., Bella Brown, Christian Brown, and Madyson Brown; great-grandchildren Lydia, Makenna, and Magnolia; and brothers Jackie (Vanessa) Brown and Billy Brown.

It was Rick’s final wish not to have a funeral, therefore, a private family event will be held to celebrate and honor his life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project, support.woundedwarriorproject.org.

The Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com.