Cecil "Brownie" Arthur Brown

Cecil Arthur Brown 1920-2012

Cecil "Brownie" Brown, 91, passed away on Friday, April 13, 2012, in Concord, California. He was born November 13, 1920, in Hanford, California to Roy J. Brown and Ruth Dolson Brown.

Brownie grew up in California. Upon graduating from Placer High School in Auburn in 1938, he entered the military where he served in the California National Guard and started his World War II duty as an Infantryman in the 184th Infantry of the U.S. Army. He began his pilot career as a "Flying Sergeant" in the Army Air Corps and flew many missions throughout the world including flying the "Hump" between India, Burma and China. During his distinguished military career he received a number of awards and commendations including: Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medals, WWII Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal and many others. He retired as Major from Hill Air Force Base Utah in 1961. From 1961 to 1975 he worked as Inventory Management Specialist at Hill Air Force Base.

In September of 1962 Brownie married Melba Randall Higgins of Ogden, Utah. Melba preceded him in death in 2009. He is survived by two step sons, Walter R. (Charlene) Higgins, Copperopolis, California; and John L. (Linda) Higgins, Clayton, California and North Ogden, Utah; two grandchildren, Jim (Monica) Higgins, Lafayette, California; Teri (Aaron) Choate, Southlake, Texas; and four great grand children, Jamie and Jack Higgins, and Nicole and Sean Choate.

Brownie was active in the Ogden Elks Lodge #719 and served as Exalted Ruler in 1974-75. In 1976 Brownie and Melba retired to Martinez, California to be near their children. He volunteered for many years at Senior Centers in the area and frequently called Bingo. He enjoyed golf, spectator sports, music, bingo and was a meticulous handyman. He was always willing to help his family, friends, and neighbors alike.

According to his wishes, Brownie was cremated. A graveside service with full military honors will be held at the Ogden City Cemetery, Ogden, Utah, on Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Cecil''s name to the Alzheimer''s Association, the American Red Cross, or the charity of choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Lindquist''s Ogden Mortuary.