Elwood, Nebraska

Merritt Gail Brown, age 73, of Elwood, Nebraska died on Thursday February 24, 2011 at the Golden Living Center, at Cozad, Nebraska. He was born March 28, 1937 at Gordon, Nebraska to Gail C. and Lennis B. (Secrest) Brown.

After his schooling, Merritt worked for his grandparents at their ranch. He would then enter the armed services in 1955, and served in the Air Force until 1958. While in the service he learned how to auctioneer. After his time in the service, he would return to Nebraska and trained horses for racing. For years he would work as a cattle buyer in the Columbus and Kearney, Nebraska area. He enjoyed participating in many different rodeo events in area rodeo contests. He married Melba J. Bouldin on June 5, 1967 at Colorado Springs, Colorado. They would own and operate Brown’s Used Furniture & Antique’s in Kearney, Nebraska for many years. In 2003, they moved to Elwood, Nebraska and in 2010, he would move to the Golden Living Center, in Cozad, Nebraska. He was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, of Elwood, Nebraska. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, woodworking, and taking time to visit with people.

He is preceded in death by his parents, grandson Shaun Brown

He is survived by his wife Melba Brown of Elwood, NE

                               Sons:  James Brown of Elwood, Nebraska

                                          Bill Brown of Sumner, Nebraska

                                          Tom Brown and wife Lisa of Fort Collins, Colorado

                                          Jim Brown of Troy, Missouri

                                          Gus Brown of Valentine, Nebraska

                           Daughters:  Peggy Mohrmann and husband Dean of Fremont, Nebraska

                                              Patty Baxter of Fremont, Nebraska

                                              Sharon Arnold of Elwood, Nebraska

Brother: Curt Brown and wife Linda of Hyannis, Nebraska

 Sister: Marilyn Sager of Gordon, Nebraska

Grandchildren  18             Great Grandchildren  3

Condolences and personal reflections may be left at www.elwoodfuneralhome.com.

Viewing & visitation will be Sunday, February 27, 2011 from 4 pm till 6 pm at Elwood Funeral Home, in Elwood, Nebraska and prior to the service at the church. Funeral services will be Monday, February 28, 2011 at 10 AM at the Parkview Baptist Church, in Lexington, Nebraska with Pastor John Shields, officiating. Burial will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, Nebraska at 2 PM on Monday February 28, 2011. Elwood Funeral Home of Elwood, Nebraska is in charge of the arrangements.