Paul Brown

Delmer Paul Brown, 78, of Bridgeport passed away on Friday, August 20, 2021 at the Morrill County Community Hospital.

Paul was born April 8, 1943 Southeast of Bridgeport, NE at home to Wanda Mae (Bainbridge) and Arthur Donald Brown. He lived on farms in Morrill County all his life and attended several schools: South Bayard (Kindergarten - 6th grade), Hill 44 (7th & 8th grade), Bayard High School (9th - 11th grade), and graduated from Bridgeport High School. After high school, he attended Southeast Community College in Milford, NE for one semester. It was during that time, he realized his dream of becoming a lifetime farmer.

Paul met his wife, June Brown, and they were married on July 22, 1966 at First Baptist Church in Bridgeport, NE. They had two daughters, Troi Lynn and Tori Ann. They were married for 55 years and lived 47 of those years in the same farming neighborhood.

Paul and his wife owned and farmed in Morrill County, Garden County, and around Dalton, NE. During his farming years, he enjoyed several awards including Outstanding Young Farmer from the Bridgeport Jaycees in 1970 – 1971 and High Station Award for highest beet acre average in 1977. Farming was his passion. Throughout the years, he saw many changes and was always amazed at how many different crops were introduced to the area, types of farming practices used, changes in machinery sizes, and how technology was being utilized in the farming industry.

He started his own sheep feedlot in 1975 and ran one of the largest sheep feedlots in the area until 2003. He enjoyed many years caring for his livestock and crops. Paul’s love for agriculture and the youth in the community was apparent through his support of 4-H. He made sure that every child that had a lamb at the Morrill County Fair received the highest bid possible for their hard work.

When asked what his hobbies were, he would say, “farming and family”. He truly enjoyed being around his family, yet always took a nap during family gatherings. When asked why he napped at family gatherings, he would reply, “I am totally relaxed and know where everyone is.”

In 2013 Paul retired and replaced his farming passion with that of his red 1955 Ford pickup. He made sure that it went for a spin at least twice month May through October. In February 2020, he found another toy to add to his collection … a red 2002 T-Bird. He always said that if he ever found one and it had the right price, it would be sitting in the extra space in the garage. Throughout his retirement, he could often be found twice daily drinking coffee with “the boys”.

He was a member of First Baptist Church, served on Northport Irrigation District for over 20 years and Brown Creek Irrigation District at Broadwater for many years.

Paul is survived by his loving wife June of Bridgeport, daughters Troi Lynn (Tony) Ozburn of Grandview, MO and Tori Ann (Mike) Dettke of Marysville, KS. Paul adored all seven of his grandchildren: Victoria, Nicholas, Blake, Christopher, Kate, Abby and Nate; two great-grandsons: Nico and Bennett; and was excited to meet his soon to be born great-granddaughter.

Preceding him in death were his parents, sister (Patricia Jones), brother-in-law (Marion Driver), father-in-law (Cecil Brown) and mother-in-law (Betty Brown).

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 PM on Thursday evening at Bridgeport Memorial Chapel. A funeral service in his honor will be held at the First Baptist Church (1402 T Street, Bridgeport, NE) at 10:00 AM on Friday, August 27, 2021 with Pastor Raymond Cook officiating. Interment will follow at Oregon Trail Memorial Cemetery in Bridgeport, NE. Memorials may be given to the First Baptist Church of Bridgeport. Online condolences may be left at www.bridgeportmemorialchapel.com

Paul loved life and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.