George E. Brown passed away as his home on Monday, August 7, 2017 rich in the love of family and friends. He fought a valiant battle with Parkinson's Disease for over 30 years, but in the end was peaceful and victorious.
George was born in Gila, NM on October 11, 1934 and spent his young years in the Gila Valley.
He attended the Cliff schools. When he was a sophomore his family moved to Silver City where he attended Western (Silver) High School. He excelled in basketball and track.
After graduating High school he explored various activities but ultimately would enlist in the US Navy in January 1954. He spent the next few years exploring various parts of the world aboard the aircraft carrier USS Tarawa (CVS-40).
Stationed in Corpus Christi, TX he met the love of his life, Dolly Schwenke. A few months' courtship was followed by their wedding and nearly 60 years of marriage. After their wedding, George's discharge from the Navy, Dolly's graduation from nursing school, and the birth of Terri, the family moved to Alpine, TX.
George attended Sul Ross University and Dolly started her first job as an RN in the new hospital in Alpine. They lived in the area for the next few years and welcomed Kevin and Kyle to their growing family.
In the summer of 1964 they moved to Silver City, living for a short time at the old Tyrone homesite. They purchased a property on Little Walnut Rd. known as the Bassett place. Except for one short year they would live here for the next 53 years.
They welcomed Trina, Keith, Kendall and Kurt to the family.
George, also known as GE, Dad, Uncle, and Gramps was a long-time educator. He taught Math and Science to many kids in Grant County and earned a Master's Degree in Teaching from WNMU.
George was also active in the local community and government, serving as Grant County Commissioner. He was member of the Allingham-Golding American Legion Post #118 for 44 years and held various offices; also a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also active in the Silver High FFA Alumni Association.
George is survived by his wife, Dolly and seven children: Terri (Mike) Carr, Kevin (Marci) Brown, Kyle (Deniene) Brown, Trina (Ed) Poe, Keith (Tina) Brown, Kendall (Ellen) Brown, and Kurt (Marlisa) Brown; one brother Conn (Darla) Brown; two sisters Joyce (Larry Saiz) Karst, Ruby (Dan) Davis, 23 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends.
A holy rosary will be recited by Deacon Bill Holguin on Saturday, August 19 at 11:30am at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Memorial mass will follow at 12 noon with Father Oliver Obele officiating. A sunset inurnment of the ashes will be held at 7:30 PM at the Cliff-Gila Mesa Cemetery. In remembrance of George and in lieu of flowers the family requests that people visit a home-bound/nursing care bound relative/friend, or donate to the American Parkinson Disease Association.
A memorial luncheon will be held following the funeral mass at Allingham-Golding American Legion Post #118. Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.