David Laurence Brown

David Laurence Brown of Longmont, CO passed away on June 3, 2026, from heart problems including cardiac amyloidosis. Dave was born on May 12, 1945, in Wendell, Idaho to (William) Homer Brown and Verna Sue (Jones) Brown.

The family, including older brother Bill moved to Colorado in November 1945. Homer worked at the Gates Rubber plant in Denver until deciding to farm near Ft. Morgan.

In 1957 the family, now including sister Sue, moved to Ft. Morgan, where Homer became the John Deere tractor dealer as part of Everitt & Brown Implement Co.

Dave’s first job at 16 was at the Morgan Cycle Shop fixing lawnmowers and bicycles. He rode his bicycle to work after school and Saturdays to save for his first car.

He graduated from Ft. Morgan High School in 1965. He was hired at IBM as an assembler and worked in Denver until the new plant was built in Longmont in 1967. He continued his education after work at the community college to become a machinist. He worked at IBM, Maxtor and retired from Ball Corp. in 2010 after machining parts for the Hubble telescope. Dave also proudly served in the Colorado Army National Guard from 1965 until 1971.

He met the love of his life Carolyn, in Ft. Morgan in 1965 when he was 19 and she was 15. They married on October 15, 1967, in Ft. Morgan and moved to Loveland. The drive to IBM everyday was too long, so they moved to Longmont and made it home.

His greatest “job” was as a father and grandfather. He cherished every minute spent at baseball, soccer, softball, basketball, or football games. Or an occasional tea party. Or sharing his love of old tractors with them.

His love of old tractors led him to collect and restore them. He became involved with Yesteryear Farm Show in Longmont and helped them celebrate 40 years in 2025. The last tractor he restored was a Gibson that was made in Longmont.

Dave is survived by his wife of 58 years Carolyn. His son Michael and wife Lisa of Firestone, CO. His daughter Cathy Brown-Morris from Longmont, CO. And his sister, Sue Watts, from Kingman, AZ.

Also, his grandchildren, Kievan and Zachary Brown along with Hayden and Olivia Morris. As well as his nephews Dan and Chris Watts along with their families.

Per Dave’s request a small family service will be held at a later date.

Fond memories & expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com with his loving family.