In Memory: Raymond Richard "Ray" Brown

Passed away Monday, March 5, 2007, at the age of 71. Ray was born November 21, 1935, in Brixey, Mo., the only child of Osborn C. and Allie Agnes (Hale) Brown. He grew up on the family dairy farm, graduated from the Gainesville (Mo.) High School, and was a member of the Church of Christ in Souder. Ray found employment with Hallmark Cards in 1953. He later joined the U.S. Army for two years, serving in Europe, and then returned to Hallmark. His career at Hallmark spanned more than 40 years, retiring as Manager of Building Engineering in 1995.

Ray was a member of Christian Masonic Lodge in Oak Grove No. 392 AF&AM, the Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Kansas City, and Ararat Shrine Temple. At Ararat, Ray was a longtime member of the Patrol Unit, where he served as Captain. He also served as Assistant Director of Uniformed Units, and was an active member of the Sandblasters, Quetzalcoatl, and Royal Order of Jesters Court 54.

Ray was appointed to Ararat's Divan in 1997 by the now late Illustrious Sir Don Fowler, and served as Potentate in 2006. Ray was also a member of Harry S Truman American Legion Post No. 21 for 23 years. He had a passion for golf and was a fan of all sports, especially Chiefs football where he was a season ticket holder for several decades, and NASCAR which he followed throughout the country.