Leonard Brown was born June 23, 1943 to Donald and Evelyn Brown on the family farm southwest of Lucas.
Leonard attended District 44 Elementary School – a one-room school southwest of Lucas, he graduated from Lucas High School, then attended Fort Hays State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Ag-Business.
He married Doris Branda on November 9th, 1962 and enjoyed over 60 years of marriage. They farmed southwest of Lucas until his retirement. During his younger years Leonard served as a Wolf Creek Valley 4-H Club leader, was on the Russell County Fair Board, and the board of the Farmers Co-op in Lucas. Leonard was a bank director at Peoples State Bank in Luray and on the Advisory Board at UMB Bank in Russell. In his retirement, Leonard enjoyed traveling, boating, antique tractor drives, spending time with his grand and great-grandchildren, and spending the winters in Port Isabel, Texas. He and Doris traveled to over 50 countries, including the Seven Wonders of the World.
He is survived by his loving wife, Doris of the home; two sisters: Judy Kleeman of Lakin, Kansas, and Virginia Boepple (Dennis) of Oviedo, Florida, two sons: Greg Brown (Gina) of Bayview, Texas and Kirk Brown (Cathy) of Russell, one daughter: Michelle Gatlin (Terry) of Pratt. Grandchildren Matthew Brown (Christine), Nicholas Brown (Sarah), Derreck Brown (Afton), Britni Pope (Cody), Elijah, Samuel, Gabby, and Luke Gatlin, and nine great-grandchildren: Colt and Mack Brown, Damien, Ellie and Esther Brown, Hadlee, Rush and Kennedy Brown, Piper and Holden Pope.
Leonard passed away on September 6th, 2023 at home in Russell surrounded by his loving family. Leonard fought a brave battle after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2016. He is preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Evelyn Brown, and a daughter-in-law Marilyn Brown.
A Memorial Service for Leonard will be held Saturday, September 16th at 11:00 am at St. John Lutheran Church in Russell. A private burial with family will be held at Lucas Cemetery. Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to the Tammy Walker Cancer Center at Salina Regional Health Center. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler, who is in charge of these arrangements.