Keith Brown

Keith Brown, age 87, passed away Thursday, January 14, 2021 at his home in Fort Wayne, IN. He passed peacefully in his favorite chair after a normal day of activity. He was born April 27, 1933 in Fort Wayne, IN, the son of the late Bruce A. and Esther R. Brown. Keith spent 3 years of his youth building and competing in the Fort Wayne Soap Box Derby. In 1951, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. His service in the Marine Corps flag aboard the USS Helena and the USS Toledo was under the command of Rear Admiral R.E. Wilson. During this time he met and married the love of his life, Gerri (Geraldine) F. Hughes and they spent 66 years together. Gerri survives. After discharge, Keith and Gerri returned to Fort Wayne and he found his opportunities at Kimble Garage and Kelley Buick before becoming an Engineering Road Test Mechanic for International Harvester. His automotive interests took him to the Indianapolis 500 over 8 decades and for nearly 60 races-most with his two sons, Bruce (65 , Fort Wayne) and Brian (63, Fort Wayne) who shared his passion at his side. Keith also was a 60-plus year member of the A-C-D Club and the Classic Car Club of America. He was a lifetime member of the A-C-D Museum and a former member of its board. He was a member of NATMUS and Fort Wayne’s Historical Automobile Association where he served as the group’s president in 1960; Gerri always at his side along with their boys. Reading, traditional country western music, numerous hobbies and his German Shepherds were the sources of relaxation, as well as maintaining a nicely manicured lawn. Additional survivors include Bruce’s wife Lori; their sons Colin (Nikki), and Derek (Kaylee); and great-grandson, Roman. He was preceded in death by younger brother, Larry, and also is survived by youngest brother, Robert; nephews and nieces. His car family was nationwide and their friendships will always remain with Keith’s immediate family. Funeral service will be held at 1:00pm Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at D.O. McComb and Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home (1320 East Dupont Road, Fort Wayne), with calling beginning at 11:00 am, two hours prior, until time of service. Burial will take place in Greenlawn Memorial Park.