Raymond R. Brown

Mr. Raymond R. Brown was born June 27, 1926 to Ed and Sofia Cooper Brown in St. Joseph, Missouri. He left home at the age of 13 to make his own way in the world.

Raymond joined the United States Army as soon as he could. He would serve in the Korean War conflict and was honorably discharged.

Raymond returned to Des Moines and obtained employment at Iowa Power and Light. He would be one of the first African Americans to hold numerous positions there. He was one of the first African Americans to hold a non janitorial position. Raymond faced his share of adversity and prejudice. His co-workers did not call him 'Brownie' because of his last name; it was meant to be derogatory. That huge hearty laugh did not mean Raymond found your remarks humorous. It was his way of saying, 'Fool, your ignorance does not bother me! Ha ha ha!' He was the first Black union steward, first Black supervisor; first of many employment opportunities at IPALCO. Raymond's work ethic compelled him to stay active. In his retirement he worked at the Grubb YMCA and as a school bus driver for the Des Moines Public Schools. Raymond was a member of William Powell Consistory and North Star Masonic Lodge #2, PHA for over 50 years. He was also a long time member of Maple Street Baptist Church.

Raymond loved 'infomercials' and would buy lots of things he considered a 'good bargain'. He loved bowling and spending time with his family. Uncle Raymond was the favorite uncle and also a big jokester. He was truly a self made man who knew himself and his worth.

On March 22, 2014 Raymond chose to go home to the Lord. He was 87 Years old. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jane Dobbins Brown; parents, Ed and Sofia; the mother of his only child, Josephine Warren; his brothers William and Benjamin Brown and his sister, Opal Butner.

Raymond will be sorely missed by his daughter, Vickie J. Brown; his grandsons, Jason (Shawna) Brown and Tyler (Mary) Brown; 13 great grandchildren, 4 great great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and his special friends, Lillie Avant and Liz Grady.

Raymond will receive Masonic Rites today at 6 pm.

Funeral services with military honors are scheduled for 11 am Saturday in Salisbury, MO.



Visitation

MAR 27. 10:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Henderson's Highland Park Funeral Home

3500 Sixth Avenue

Des Moines, IA, US, 50313



info@hendersonhighlandparkfuneralhome.com

http://www.hendersonhighlandparkfuneralhome.com