John Brown Obituary (1917

John Charl Brown passed away on December 24, 2011. He is survived by those he loved: his bride of 65 years, Kay, their three children: Charles Brown (Laura-deceased, Lynn) of Severna Park, MD, Glen Brown (Kathy) of Layton, UT and Karen Evans (Randy) of Orem, UT along with 18 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. His family was his greatest accomplishment, the source of his happiness and his hope for eternity. Charl was born in Grantsville, UT on January 31, 1917 where he learned his life-long work ethic laboring many hours on the family farm. He was the eldest child and only son of John Charles Brown and Eva Marie Jacobson and brother to four surviving sisters: Una Jean Perkins (Clyde) of St. George, VeOla Dudding (Earl-deceased) of Bountiful, RaeNee Russell (Sterling) of Corvallis, OR, Marlene McBride (Brian) of Millbrae, CA and a fifth sister Neva Martin (Gene-deceased) who preceded him in death. Life on the farm gave focus to his future. His education in agriculture at Brigham Young University (BYU) and Utah State landed him a job in Washington, D.C. where he met Kathryn Bennett. They were engaged when he enlisted in the Army to serve during World War II in Europe. Charl managed to mingle his military duties, such as fighting the Battle of Remagen Bridge, with courting Kay via long love letters filled with poetry. They were married soon after his return and sealed later in the Salt Lake Temple. The PhD Charl earned in chemistry and agriculture at Michigan State launched his life's work in soil and plant science at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Beltsville, MD. Through hard work, scientific integrity and proven research practices, he became a world renowned soils scientist, publishing hundreds of articles and many books on his expertise of iron deficiency in plants. His body of research, shared freely throughout the world, has boosted the worldwide farming economy, enhanced the health of adults and children around the globe and influenced the work of countless agricultural scientists. The quality and quantity of his work were recognized by the U.S. Government's award of Superior Service. His name hangs in BYU's Hinckley Center as a Distinguished Alumnus, in part, for his contribution of twelve years of post-retirement "volunteer" service to BYU's agriculture department. Charl also gave a life of faithful service to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Whether his assignment was temple worker, priesthood leader or sacrament meeting greeter, the evidence of his commitment to Christ was the warm smile, the kind word and the friendly handshake he extended to everyone he sought to serve. He was a builder. Charl built a chapel for worship, light chambers for scientific experiments, flower beds for beauty and family rooms for fun. He loved building with concrete – driveways, drains, plant borders and sidewalks. He was also a builder of people, quietly going about assisting careers, promoting faith, encouraging hope and strengthening testimony. Most importantly, Charl and Kay were united in building a loyal and faithful family. No matter what else he is remembered for, his family will remember him as "Dad" and "Grandpa". The family children will remember him baiting their fish hooks, bouncing them on his knee and singing the "boo-giddy-boo" song. They will remember family prayer, family home evenings, family reunions, and letters that always ended with the words "Keep Smiling!" We will dad. We will grandpa…'til we meet again. The family wishes to extend special thanks for the compassionate care and service provided to their parents - especially neighbors and ward members. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 31, 2011 at the Stonewood 2nd Ward Chapel, 575 S. 400 W. Orem, UT. A viewing will be held Friday from 6:00-8:00 pm at Berg Mortuary, 185 E. Center St. Provo, UT and at the church on Saturday morning from 9:30-10:45 am. Interment: Provo City Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent through his obituary on www.bergmortuary.com.