Switzerland County lost one of its beloved sons early Sunday morning when Norman Brown passed away at Jewish Hospital in Louisville after suffering from heart problems. He was 83 years old.
The owner and operator of Brown’s Farm Implement in Moorefield for 64 years, Norman Brown was known and loved by not only the entire agricultural community of Switzerland County — but by most of the general public, as well. He also farmed himself until retiring in 1952 to run the business full time; but even in retirement he had time to help out with good causes going on around the area, and was a good neighbor to everyone in the Moorefield community.
Along with his business, Norman Brown was also closely associated with the Moorefield Community Volunteer Fire Department.
He served as a member of the board of directors for the department for many years, and was a dedicated member of the department, serving in whatever capacity was needed. Members of the fire department were shocked as the news spread of Norman Brown’s death on Sunday; and arrangements are being made to properly recognize his contributions to the department.
He was also a member of the Long Run Baptist Church; and served on the board of directors of the S&O Farmer’s Mutual Insurance Company.
Norman Brown is survived by his wife of 56 years, Wilma Jean Allen Brown, and also leaves a daughter: Pam Brown of Colorado; and three sons: Barry and Doug of Moorefield and Jerry of Oregon. A son, Robert Brown, passed away in 1968.
But the full impact of the passing of Norman Brown does not lie solely in the offices that he held and the titles he assumed.
Norman Brown was born and raised in the Moorefield community, and had spent his entire life working to make it a better place for not only his family, but for everyone who resides there. Through his work the community has become a close-knit society of friends, and that sense of community is felt throughout the county.
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For a complete obituary of Norman Brown, see page two of today’s edition.