Franklin H Brown

Frank was born in Granger, Utah on April 1, 1925 to Harvey T. and Ruth Harman Brown, the first of three sons. He enjoyed a rural boy’s life, often riding his bike to go fishing in ditches and canals with friends Ross Young and Jack Marshall, and once in a while with Uncle Nick Cannon in mountain streams. Dad learned early the value of hard work, thinning beets for $4 an acre (a five day job), and doing plumbing work with his father. He attended grades 1 through 9 at Monroe Elementary, then graduated from Cyprus High School. While working at Utah Copper Company, he received his induction notice from the Army as a Dec. 24, 1943 Christmas present. Dad served in northern Italy as a BAR rifleman in the 34Th Infantry Division. After the fighting stopped, he was able to take classes at the university in Florence before returning home in June 1946. That fall he started at the University of Utah and graduated in 1949 with a B.S. in accounting. After a year at Physician Supply, he went to work as an accountant at Heber J. Grant & Co., a general insurance agency where he spent the next 40 years, retiring as Secretary & Treasurer.

Dad met his sweetheart and future companion, Annette Nelson, in April 1947. He went with his friend Dewey, her brother, to pick her up at the airport when she returned from working as a nurse in Hawaii. Each saw in the other that special something, and they were married in the Salt Lake Temple on March 19, 1948 by Elder Spencer W. Kimball. They shared 63 active years together! Dad and Mom built their home in Granger (now West Valley) next to his parents, and are the parents of five children, 20 grandchildren, and 57 great grandchildren. Dad loved to spend time with his family, especially camping and fishing. Even in his 90s he could often be found at Mirror Lake or Trial Lake with as many family members as possible, making sure they were catching fish, and then sharing the catch with friends and family.

Mom and Dad were dedicated members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings, including Dad’s 24 years as ward and stake clerk. Their call to the Utah Salt Lake City Mission highlighted their service together. At their release, Pres. McArthur expressed his appreciation to Dad “for all you did to set us on a financially secure course. I have never worried about our finances or records, knowing you were there….”

Dad was a humble man who exemplified quiet service throughout his life, often for others who did not know the source of the help they received. In our family, it was a choice experience to receive a blessing under his hands. We will miss you Dad, but your love and lessons are forever in our hearts. We are happy, along with you, that you are together again with your Annette, whose absence you have felt so keenly.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Annette, brothers Robert and William, and parents Harvey and Ruth. He is survived by his children: Bruce (Candi), Pat (Steven) Jackson, David (Judy), Lynne (Mel) Labrum, Gay (Randy) Haar, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

There will be a viewing on Sunday February 8, 2026 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Valley View Memorial Park and Funeral Home, located at 4335 W 4100 S, West Valley City and from 9:30 am to 10:45 am before funeral services. Funeral services will be held on Monday February 9, 2026 at 11:00 am at the Taylorsville 12th Wardhouse, 4505 Brian Way, WVC, UT.