Wayne David Brown

Wayne David Brown, 73, of Homosassa, FL, passed away on March 5, 2023. A native of Oneida, NY, he was born June 21, 1949 to David and Roberta (Jones) Brown. Wayne served his country honorably and proudly in the U.S. Army from July 2, 1969 until July 1, 1971 in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, attaining the rank of SP4. Specialist Brown served an eleven month tour in Vietnam as a decorated combat medic and earned a Bronze Star for heroic and meritorious service in a combat zone. Wayne was a retired feed plant manager for Agway, Inc. in the state of New York and moved to Homosassa from Corning, NY in January of 2018. Mr. Brown enjoyed motorcycle riding, running, swimming (mostly sitting on his perch in the pool to cool off after exercising) and reading. Wayne was an animal lover, especially dogs, and always gave treats to the dogs he met while he was out running. Mr. Brown supported Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and through their worthy organization, Wayne adopted several orphaned elephants and a rhinoceros. He also enjoyed watching boxing, bull riding, investigative and history shows, and soaking up the sun in his lounge chair. Wayne was also an accomplished skydiver, a passion he enjoyed for several decades. Mr. Brown was preceded in death by his parents, David E. Brown and Roberta Eaton, as well as a sister, Carol A. Judd. Wayne is survived by his wife, Judy A. Brown of Homosassa; children Jason Brown (wife Anne) of Oriskany Falls, NY; Rachel Brown, Paul Zito, and Chad Stone; granddaughter Kelsi Lynn Brown of Waterville, NY and great granddaughter Grace Lynn Graves, also of Waterville, NY; siblings Kim Streeter, Karen Jones, Douglas Eaton and Philip Eaton (wife Helen), all of Oriskany Falls, NY, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and his grandpups; Hank, Whiskey and Delta. Wayne’s family wishes to express their appreciation and gratitude to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, Det. Dan Slingerland, and also Mr. Brown’s nephew Ernie Kiehn, who all assisted greatly in the search for Wayne. The Brown family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be greatly appreciated to sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/donate in Wayne’s memory. Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa, FL www.wilderfuneral.com