Eugene Franklin Brown

February 29, 1924 - May 6, 2014

Eugene Franklin Brown, of Trumann, Arkansas passed from this life on Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at Craighead Nursing Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas at the age of 90 years, 2 months and 7 days. Mr. Brown was born on Friday, February 29, 1924 in Trumann to Stephen Nicholas Brown and Eva Wave (McGuire) Brown. He was a graduate of Trumann High School; after graduation he worked in Chicago, Illinois, helping build landing craft that were used in the invasion of Normandy during the Second World War. Gene then enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a radioman and instructor during the war. Following his military service, he returned to Trumann and began work for the U.S. Postal Service, eventually serving as Postmaster in Trumann during the 1970s and 1980s before retiring. In addition to his work for the Postal Service, Mr. Brown maintained a lifelong interest in farming, owning farm land in Clay County. Throughout his entire adult life he was a member of First Baptist Church in Trumann, where he served as treasurer for 20 years and as a Deacon and Trustee. He also was a member of the Trumann Lions Club. Mr. Brown married Ethel Ann Holland on May 19, 1951 in Memphis, TN. Ann preceded him in death, passing away on October 26, 1980. Thereafter, Gene married Mattie Thompson Massey, who survives him. Also surviving are: Dr. Steven Brown and wife Cynthia, of Meridian, MS; Dr. Mark Brown and wife Melissa, of Jonesboro; one sister, Shirley Suhl of Warm Springs, AR; one brother, John Brown and wife Fran of Morton, IL; granddaughters, Kristin Brown and Laura Brown of Collierville, TN; Dr. Julianne Brown of Fayetteville, AR; and Emily Martin of Lowell, AR; step-daughters, Rhonda Fleming and husband Craig, of Russellville; Valerie Fielder and husband Brian, of Jonesboro; and step-son, Kurt Massey and wife Teressa of St. Roberts, MO.; step-grandchildren, Jennifer Saxton of Russellville; Erik Enderlin of Kansas City, Mo; Tonya Anderson and Samantha Massey of St. Roberts, Mo.; Jeremiah Fielder and Branden Fielder of Jonesboro; as well as 11 step-great-grandchildren. Mr. Brown is also survived by a large number of cousins, nieces and nephews, and by many, many dear friends. Along with his parents and his first wife Ann, Mr. Brown was also preceded in death by a brother, James William Brown of Tucson, AZ, and a sister, Katherine Allen of Peoria, IL. Funeral services will be Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church, 1301 Hwy 69 W in Trumann, Ark., with Dr. Tad Rogers, Dr. Nodell Dennis and Rev. John Maley officiating. Graveside service will be Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. in Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery in Jonesboro, Ark., under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home in Trumann, Ark. Pallbearers will be Bill Brown, Brett Chaffin, Jim Chaffin, Dr. Kemp Childs, Craig Fleming, Hal Hyneman, Marshall Little, Dr. Doug Maglothin, Ted Suhl and Dr. Henry White. Honorary pallbearers will be the Deacons of the First Baptist Church. Visitation will be Friday evening from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 1301 Hwy 69 W in Trumann, Ark. The family respectfully asks that in lieu of flowers, a memorial gift to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 575 in Trumann, AR 72472 be considered. An online register book can be signed at www.thompsonfunealhome.net.