John Thomas Brown, 54, of Sutherland, NE, died Friday, February 7, 2014, at his home with his family by his side. Without complaining, John fought a courageous battle against his illness.
John was born March 27, 1959, to Thomas Wayne and Ruth Lorraine Carlson Brown at Sutherland and was baptized and confirmed at Maria Lutheran Church in Hershey, NE. He grew up on the family farm northwest of Hershey and developed an interest in agriculture at a young age. He began playing with toy tractors and machinery in the sandpile then progressed to driving the JD 730 tractor around the yard before he was tall enough to sit on the seat.
John attended Hershey Public School and graduated in 1977. Following graduation he farmed with his dad and brother then went into a partnership with his brothers in 1981, farming their parents’ land in the Hershey valley and south of Sutherland.
On February 16, 1985, John married Tamera “Tammy” Lynn White in North Platte and to this union, Chelsea, Erin and Jordan, were born. They made their home in Sutherland in the house that originally belonged to John’s grandmother, Mary Brown.
John was an outstanding farmer who was especially good in the handling and operation of machinery. He was also a great teacher of agriculture to his son, Jordan, showing him how to farm so he can carry on the legacy. John’s life centered around his wife, kids, farm and his dogs. He was a great husband, dad, son, brother and friend. He loved his family and his dogs and enjoyed country cruises and taking family vacations every year. John had a witty sense of humor and was a religious man; he thanked God when it would rain, nurturing the crops.
John leaves behind his loving wife, Tammy, of Sutherland; daughters, Chelsea Marie Brown, of Sutherland and Erin Christine Brown, of Lincoln, NE; a son, Jordan Thomas Brown, of Sutherland; his parents, Thomas and Ruth Brown, of Hershey; two brothers, Eric (Jackie) Brown and Scot (Susie) Brown, all of Hershey; a sister, Amy (Steven) Fleecs, of Sutherland; his mother- and father-in-law, Darrel and Margaret White, of Sutherland; sister-in-law, Chris (Bruce) Schmitz, of Sutherland; three brothers-in-law, Mark White and Mitch (Tami) White, of Sutherland and Tony (Amanda) White, of Sarben, NE; his dog, Emma; and many nieces, nephews and other family.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Marion and Mary Brown and John and Hilda Carlson; and older infant brother, David Douglas Brown.
Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 12, 2014, at Maria Lutheran Church in Hershey with Pastor Frank Fitch officiating. Visitation will be 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Cremation will follow the viewing. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation or Community Connections. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.