Francis Brown

Francis L. Brown, 96, of Mansfield, died late Wednesday evening, May 26, 2010 at MedCentral Mansfield Hospital. Born April 10, 1914 in Marysville, Ohio, he was the son of the late George C. and Zoa M. Parr Brown. He graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in 1932. Francis served as a Staff Sergeant with the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945 during WWII in the South Pacific, Guadalcanal, Guam and Saipan. He was the owner and operator of Brown Realty for over 50 years. Francis was a member of the Masonic Lodge #690, F. & A.M. for over 50 years, Baku Grotto and Mansfield Board of Realtors since 1953, serving as President in 1956. He was also a partner in Brown and Keller Construction Company. An avid tennis player, who participated in many sports, Francis was inducted into the Mansfield Area Tennis Hall of Fame. He was a charter member of the YMCA Athletic Club and was frequently seen at the Y keeping in shape. Francis was a member of Park Avenue Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Lorna J. Cornelius Brown; two sons, Terrence L. Ann Brown and Kenneth L. Brown, of Mansfield; four grandchildren, Alexander L. Brown, Jennifer A. Joel Carter, Benjamin L. Brown and Ryan L. Brown; and great-grandson, Zachary Carter.

Friends may visit from 6-8 p.m. Friday, May 28, 2010 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road with Masonic services at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home with Rev. Tony Pingitore officiating. Burial will follow in Mansfield Cemetery with military honors by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial contributions be made to the Mansfield Shrine Club.