Obituary of Walter Brown

Walter Franklin Brown, Capt. USMC Ret., 88 of Ocala, FL went to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 10, 2009. Son of Elliot and Emma Brown, "Brownie", was born on January 18, 1921, in Tampa, FL. Walter graduated from Bradenton High School and attended the University of Tampa, studying aeronautics. During WWII, he served in the USMC VMF121 as a Corsair fighter pilot in the Pacific. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, and three Air Medals. In 1946, he married Frances Hedrick and they lived in Lake Worth, FL before relocating to Salt Springs, FL. Walter was a general contractor for 43 years in Palm Beach County until retirement. He was past president of the Home Builders Association and Associated General Contractors, receiving Florida Builder of the Year and Florida Craftsmanship of the Year Awards. He was a lay leader and active member of the United Methodist Church, Past Master of the Bykota Masonic Lodge in Greenacres, FL, President of Exchange Club, a charter member of the Lake Worth Chamber of Commerce, and a Life Trustee of the South Florida Fair. Walter was a member of Scottish Rite, American Legion, DAV, VMF, Marine Corps League, and Wildlife Conservation League. Brownie loved the ocean, hunting, and fishing. Walter is survived by his wife Frances, son Walter "Butch" Brown, Jr. (Alyson), of Ocala, daughter Virginia Brown Zucker (Fred), of Jupiter, grandchildren Jessica (Jeremy), Rebecca (Brad), Bill (Michelle), Tristan, Cabot, Graham, and five great-grandchildren Hannah, Logan, Daniel, Kinsley and Nolan. Cryptside service, Wednesday, May 13, 2009, 3:00 pm at Highland Memorial Park Mausoleum, Ocala, with Masonic Services and Military Honors, followed by a Memorial Service at First United Methodist Church in Ocala at 4:00pm. Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, Ocala, is handling arrangements. 352-629-7171 Memorial Contributions may be made to the Florida Methodist Children's Home or Hospice of Marion County.