George Edward Brown

George Edward Brown passed away at the age of 94, on August 6th 2024. On March 22nd, 1930 George was born in Olean, New York to Ivy (Sleeman) Brown of St Austell, Cornwall England and George A. Brown of Westminster, Maryland. George loved the outdoors, specifically hunting and fishing as he got older. Sports played a big part in his high school years. Having never played basketball until the 7th grade he was selected to play on the varsity team in the eighth grade. As a freshman he played forward for the remaining four years. The team won the State Championship in his junior year (1947). In that same year George was chosen by his teammates to receive the Kawanis award of Outstanding Player for the 1947 season. George also played running back on his high school’s first football team his senior year. He was also proficient in track and other sports. While in school George worked for two Nurseries and did some farm work on multiple farms.

On August 16th 1948 George enlisted in the Air Force and was sent first to Lackland AFB and then to Sheppard AFB in Texas for basic training where he remained for eleven weeks. Upon completion of basic training he was assigned to Walker AFB Roswell New Mexico. After taking typing in high school he was assigned to the Provost Marshal's Office. However, after the next SAC Inspection they changed his duties as clerk typist to a Military Policeman which he retained for the next fourteen years. During those fourteen years he had assignments to Morocco AFB, Castle AFB, Libya AFB and many other installations.

While stationed at Castle AFB he met Marjorie Gallegos of Merced. From that point on they remained married for 60 years and had a son, Alan Dean Brown. Additionally while assigned at Castle AFB he was selected to attend the initial class of First Sergeants Academy at March AFB. George graduated first in his class and received the Commandant's Award. After four years in Libya he was assigned to Lackland AFB as an instructor for the next three years. While at Lackland he attended the NCO Academy at Kirkland AFB in New Mexico. Upon completing that assignment he was transferred to Laughlin AFB in Texas, then to Viet Nam, Castle, Guam, followed by KI Sawyer Michigan. Leaving the snowy country behind he, Marjorie and Alan went to Croughin England for the next 5 years. While in England George had submitted his application for retirement and ended his military career in July of 1978 as a CMSgt First Sergeant. Within 10 days of retirement George then went to work for the County of Merced where he worked for 21 years. George was predeceased by his wife Marjorie and son Alan. He leaves behind his good friend and caregiver of 10 years, Brenda Plagenza, his grandchildren Cameron, Conrad and Hannah and his 12 great grandchildren.

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