Walter A. Brown, Jr. “The Colonel”

Life Sketch for Walter Allan Brown, Jr  “Colonel”

“Colonel” Walter A. Brown, Jr, 96, died on May 14, 2017 at Asbury Park in Newton.

Walter was born on October 27, 1920 to Walter and Helen (Mills) Brown in Louisville, Kentucky.

Walter was a graduate of the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida and later joined the United States Army in 1942 and was stationed in Wichita, Kansas.

Walter met and married Florence E. Fitzwilliam on April 12, 1943 in Wichita, Kansas. They were married almost 74 years until her death on April 9, 2017.

In 1946, he transferred from the U.S. Army to the newly formed U.S. Air Force. He rose through the ranks and retired as a Lt. Colonel after 30 years of service. Florence and the Colonel traveled extensively in the military and Fairbanks, Alaska was one of their favorite assignments. Walter was a veteran of three wars: World War II, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War.

Later in life they developed a deep love of the dessert states.  They lived in New Mexico, Arizona and Nevada during his time in the service and retirement.  He saw a unique tranquility and beauty in the western desert states with their ever changing colors of the red rocks, and the pastels and fiery mauves of the sunset. He found a deep peace and great appreciation for the dessert.

The Colonel was always a patriot of the United States.  He missed being in the military and he loved to talk about his time there.  He’s graduated from the earthly military, but the good Lord probably has another assignment or a regiment in heaven needing a Colonel who is homesick for the military.

In his later years, Walter’s journey changed. The declining health of his wife and himself brought out a greater sensitivity, concern, openness and reflection.  His skepticism towards God changed, and he came to resolve and died as a Christian.  He was at peace with God and himself. As his family shared: “It doesn’t get any better than that!”

He is survived by his four grandchildren, six great grandchildren, three nieces, one nephew and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents: Walter and Helen Brown; wife: Florence Brown; son: Michael Brown; sisters: Betty Brown Brice and Jane Brown Robinson.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 17^th at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton. There is no public visitation.

Petersenfamilyfuneralhome.com.