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Richard H. Brown, Sr.

Oct 6, 2023

Richard “Dickie” Hendricks Brown, Sr. of Shepherdstown passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023, at his home.

Born Aug. 24, 1939, in Rippon, WV, he was the son of Eleanor Tumblin Brown. He was a lifetime Jefferson County resident, working on many local farms throughout the county with his family during his youth. He graduated from Shepherdstown High School, Class of 1957, and Shepherd College in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology.

He began his working career as a carpenter working with his father-in-law, Henry B. Maddex, Jr. In 1969 he struck out on his own to specialize in restoration carpentry. Upon completion of college, he obtained a job with WV Department of Natural Resources as a Forest Ranger. In 1979 he was assigned to the National Park Service in Harpers Ferry as a Park Ranger and worked with numerous historical restoration projects. In 1984 he obtained his dream job being appointed Chief of Cultural Resources and Chief of Maintenance of the Antietam National Battlefield, Piper Farm and Monocacy National Battlefield. He was instrumental in obtaining the monument installation for the Irish Brigade and was involved in numerous other projects within the National Park Service. He retired in December 2004 with 25 years of service.

In 1977 he enlisted in the US Naval Reserve as a Seabee and in 1989 he was called up to serve active duty in support of Operation Desert Storm/Shield. During his military career he obtained numerous awards and medals including the Overseas Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Navy M16 Rifle Expert, (4) Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medals, Armed Forces Reserve Medal and (4) Battle “E” Ribbons. BU2 Brown was honorably discharged and retired from the Navy in December of 1992.

He was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, the Boy Scouts, and New Street United Methodist Church. He was an avid supporter of 4-H as a member, leader and a 4-H All Star.

He was a member of the Elmwood Cemetery Association Serving as President for over 20 years, and he was awarded the community service award from NSDAR for his work maintaining the cemetery. He was instrumental in the restoration and reconstruction of the cooling and receiving vault at Elmwood Cemetery, which dates back to 1867. Due to his deep love and passion for the preservation of the cemetery for genealogy purposes, he was profoundly involved in creating community awareness for the need of volunteer service for the preservation of the cemetery.

He was married to the lovely Barbara Marie Maddex in March 1961 and together with their six children, resided in the family home built in 1909 by Barbara’s Grandfather, Henry Byington Maddex, Sr.

Richard is survived by his wife of 62 years, Barbara and children, Richard Jr. and Kim of Georgia, Ronald, and Maria of Ranson, Elizabeth Sigler and Ronnie of Charles Town, Amanda Lutman and Todd of Summit Point, Kathryn Slaven and Jeff of Ravenswood, WV and Margaret Henderson and Patrick of Shepherdstown, 16 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister Florence Ann Brown-Best of Shenandoah Jct, sisters-in-law, Nancy Cleaver of Shepherdstown, Rose Altieri of Purceville, VA and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Eleanor Brown, grandparents Cleveland Hendricks Tumblin and Nellie Florence Grey Tumblin and In-Laws Henry B. and Geraldine M. Maddex.

Shepherdstown has lost another iconic neighbor and his truck with the forever memorable brooms has had its last ride.

Memorial Service was on Monday, Oct. 2 at 11 a.m., with a luncheon to follow, at New Street United Methodist Church in Shepherdstown. Interment will be private.

Online condolences may be offered at www.BrownFuneralHomesWV.com.