Kenneth Ray Brown

Born May 20, 1932, in Jacksonville, Florida to Aaron and Elsie Oglesby Brown, Sr. Kenneth was one of four sons (W. C. Sr., Aaron Jr. and Francis). A lifetime resident of Jacksonville, he attended Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, John Gorrie Junior High School and Robert E. Lee High School. He was also a Master Mason for 60 years.

He married his high school sweetheart, Betty Maxine Blume in 1951 and they raised three daughters.

After working for the railroad for a short period of time, he joined the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in 1954 and began his career in law enforcement. During his years with JSO, he served as patrolman, sergeant, detective, lieutenant, captain and chief of detectives up until his retirement in 1990. After his retirement he raised cattle for many years.

Kenneth is preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years Betty Maxine Brown, parents: Elsie and Aaron Brown, Sr., daughter: Betty Rae Fitzhugh, brothers: W. C. Brown, Sr. and Francis Brown, grandsons: Kenneth Bryan, Kevin Bradley and Kristopher Brett Ahearn, great-granddaughter: Brianna Ahearn and great-grandson: Seth Lasater.

He is survived by daughters: Debra Ahearn (Charles) and Donna Brown Tompkins (Ron)

Grandchildren: Tami Vega, Brooke Lasater and Matthew Fitzhugh

Great-grandchildren: Chase Lasater, Kaden Ahearn, Tatum, Alden and Delaney Vega, Hayden and Braxton Fitzhugh, beloved brother: Aaron Brown, Jr. nephews: W. C. Brown, Jr. and Richard K. Brown, nieces: Cindy Cahoon, Brenda Rolison, Diane Smith, Sharon Brown, and Michelle Watts.

Services will be held Friday, March 10th at Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park & Funeral Home at 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL with full honors by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard. Visitation will begin at 1pm, funeral service at 2pm, followed by burial in Riverside Memorial Park.

Debra and Donna would like to thank their father’s JSO family and also his friends and neighbors that helped him out over the years, especially since the passing of their mother in 2010.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgriversidefuneralhome.com for the Brown family.