Ray Brown, 86, of Ava Missouri began this life October 13, 1932 to parents Julian E. and Kate (Cole) Brown in Hallettsville, Texas. He departed this life November 17, 2018 at the Missouri Veterans Home, Mt Vernon, MO.

When you talked to Ray you learned very quickly what was important to him, family, faith, and patriotism. Ray followed his three brothers by enlisting in the military at the age of 17. After three weeks of basic training in the US Army he was transferred to Korea. He spent nearly two years driving truckloads of troops and ammo in the northern most part of North Korea. It was during this time he saw some of the largest battles of the Korean Conflict. He was wounded and received two Bronze stars, a Purple Heart, the Korean Presidential Award, and several other awards.

He faithfully led his family in daily Bible devotions as long as he was able to live at home. He was a devoted husband and father who mentored his family not only in life skills, but also to make things with their hands and the value of hard work. He taught them to operate a sawmill and do woodworking. After working 42 years as an auto body repairman he spent a lot of time in pursuits like woodworking and joining Cathy as they did craft shows. His hobby was working. When he wanted to learn a new skill he was persistent until he was an expert at the skill. He also loved to hunt and fish.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his baby girl, Rebecca; infant sister and brother, Julia Oma and Julian Franklin; brothers Charlie E, Irvin B, and Douglas T Brown; well as sisters; Iva Parks, and Authemia McKey and two grandchildren Tiffany Ravencroft and Johnie Brown, and two great grandchildren Kyra Yotaw, and Brandon Spoelstra.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine (Cathy); son Joel Ray Brown; three daughters, Wanda Lee, Vickey Diane Brown, and Helen Brown and two step-sons James A. Adams and Robert A Adams. He is also survived by a sister Vera Patillo. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter. He will also be deeply missed by his "special sister" Jewel Brown. He also leaves a host of other relatives and friends who will miss his stories.

Funeral Service : 10 am, Saturday, November 24, 2018, at Kubena Funeral Home of Hallettsville, Texas. Visitation: 5 pm, Tuesday November 20, 2018 at Ava Family Funeral Home of Ava, Missouri. Memorials (in lieu of flowers): Alzheimer's Association or Donor's choice. Burial: Willow Creek Cemetery in Vienna, Texas.