Gary Franklin Brown

Gary Franklin Brown, 89, Oakesdale, Wash., area farmer, passed away on January 5, 2025, at Whitman Hospital in Colfax.

Gary was born on May 24, 1935, in Colfax to Ashton and Thelma (Brannen) Brown. He was raised in the Oakesdale/Thornton area graduating with the class of 1953. After high school, he attended a year of college at the University of Idaho.

He met Marcia Davis at the Oakesdale pool and together they married on January 27, 1956. Shortly after, Gary enlisted in the United States Army where he attended guided missile school in Texas. He then was stationed in Connecticut and there together he and Marcia welcomed their first son, Randy. Later they moved back to the Oakesdale area so he could help his father on the family farm. It was there that they welcomed a second son, Rick and later their daughter, Renee.

After retirement, Gary and Marcia found a new way to express their lifelong love of farming through the creation of beautiful flower gardens. They planted many trees and flowers at their home. Together they traveled, golfed and snow skied. His greatest passion in life was his children and grandchildren and following them to all their sporting events.

Gary is survived by his loving wife Marcia; his three children, Randy (Candi) Brown of Post Falls, Idaho, Rick (Laurie) Brown of Pullman, Wash., and Renee Grube of Eugene, Ore .; six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Virginia Eckhart, and sister-in-law, Alexandria (Dolly). He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Philip Brown, and by son-in-law, Steve Grube.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the Thornton Cemetery at 11:30 a.m. A reception will follow at the Oakesdale Fire Hall.

Corbeill Funeral Home of Colfax is caring for the family. On-line condolences may be made at http://www.corbeillfuneralhomes.com.