Obituary of Gerald Brown

Gerald Dwain Brown was born in Monroe on February 29, 1944. He was one of six children to the union of the late Dwain Brown and the late Dorothy (Berns) Brown. Gerald attended Jefferson High School. He enlisted in the United States Air Force where he obtained his GED and served honorably during Vietnam in the early 1960's. Gerald married the former Madonna Layden in 1966, and from this union would come the birth of four children. For more than thirty-one years he supported his family with employment at Ford Motor Company. Gerald was assigned to the Michigan Truck plant where he was a proud member of the UAW Local 900. He worked in the body shop as a utility and door hanger, and also worked in maintenance and as a Hi-lo driver before his retirement in 1997. Madonna passed away in 1996. Gerald then married Marjorie Ann Sharpe in Lincolnton, North Carolina in June of 1998. She passed in 2012. Gerald was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, the American Legion, and Fraternal Order of the Moose. Gerald was always the dependable go-to guy. He enjoyed tinkering on engines especially lawn mowers and could be counted on as the handyman plumber. He loved spending time with his Yorkie: Buddy, garage saleing, and watching X-Files. Gerald, age 72, of Monroe passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 18, 2016. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by both his wives; a grandson: Aaron Dudek; and two siblings: a stillborn sister: Anita and brother and sister-in-law: Ronald "Ron" (Pam) Brown. To cherish his memory Gerald four children: Edward (Michelle) Brown of Ypsilanti, Dawn Dudek of Carleton, Jerry (Karen) Brown of Victoria, Australia, and Marce (Bryan) McHone of Newport; a step-daughter: Danielle McBain of Carleton; three siblings: Greg (Karen) Brown of Monroe, Ray (Beate) Brown of Killeen, Texas, and Lynette (John "Jack") Cummings of Joilet, Illinois; ten grandchildren; and four great grandchildren. Friends may gather from 2:00-8:00pm on Monday, March 21, 2016 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 11:00am on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 also at Merkle's with Pastor Jeffrey Heimsoth officiating. Procession will follow to Roselawn for burial. Memorials are suggested to the Brown Family. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.