Merle Allan Brown

Merle Allan Brown, age 82 of Hamilton, passed away on Monday, February 20, 2012 at Sterling House of Springdale. He was born on February 28, 1929 in Hamilton, the son of the late Louis A. and Anna S. (Heinlein) Brown. Merle graduated from Hamilton High School in 1945 and went on to earn his Bachelor’s of Science degree from the University of Cincinnati. He was a flight radar operator and co-pilot in the U.S. Navy from 1944 until 1949, serving during WWII, and he was stationed in Newfoundland, Greenland, Key West, FL and Cuba. Merle worked as the Division Manager of Safety for Meade Corporation for 20 years, and was the Safety Director at Champion Paper Corporation for over 30 years before retiring in 1975. He was very involved with the Masons as a 32nd Degree member of Washington Lodge #17 F&AM, Scottish Rite Valley of Cincinnati, Ancient Arabic Order of The Nobles of Mystic Shrine, Syrian Temple of Cincinnati, High Twelve International #414 Hamilton, and a Trustee of the Hamilton Shrine Club and Desert Holding Corporation of Hamilton. Merle was also a member of Immanuel Baptist Church, enjoyed hunting and fishing and had a unique, ever-present sense of humor. On August 16, 1949 in Hamilton, he married his wife of over 53 years, Henrietta Lincks, and she preceded him in death on December 23, 2002. Merle and Henrietta resided in Dutton, AL for 18 years before returning to Hamilton in 1997. He is survived by his sons, Thomas L. (Karen) Brown of Liberty Township and Michael A. (Priscilla) Brown of Fairfield; grandsons, Cory, Greg, David, Christopher and Jason; great-granddaughters, Lillian and Allison; sister-in-law, Betty (Larry) Green of Hamilton; and several nieces and nephews. Merle was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and sister, Betty Jane Brown. A Funeral Service with Masonic Services will be held on Friday, February 24, 2012 at 12noon at Webb Noonan Kidd Funeral Home, Ross Avenue at South “D” Street, Hamilton with Pastor Mark Wurzelbacher officiating. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Burial Park. Visitation will be held prior to the service on Friday at the funeral home from 11am until 12noon. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 3229 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229.