Claude Baily Brown

Claude Bailey Brown, age 88, of Rogue River, OR, passed away four days before his 89th birthday on Tuesday, October 9, 2007, at home surrounded by his family. He lived a long life after battling Parkinson's Disease for over 40 years, he finally got to go home. Born at home in Dougherty, Murray County, Oklahoma, on October 13, 1918, he was the youngest son of William Thomas and Della Cora Adams Brown. He was a farm boy who lived during the Great Depression. After his father and brother died from measles and pneumonia, Claude went on an errand for his mother to get bread and milk one day. Six months later, after riding trains to explore the country, he returned home with groceries in hand to the open arms of his mother. He finished high school to the 10th grade and got his GED when he was in his 50's. He enlisted in the US Army on July 24, 1944, when he was 26 and served in World War II. He took a ship to Europe where he saw active combat and took care of the Cavalry horses for a very short time until the war ended. He was an electrical/mechanical engineer for most of his life. He was Chief Engineer at Arden Farms Dairy in San Diego, CA, as well as at Del Monte Corporation in Oakland, CA until his retirement. Later in life, he became a registered electrologist, as well as a Master Hypnotherapist and worked in Medford, OR. Claude was married to Vernie Hall in 1939 and they had three girls: Winnie, Kathryn and Nancy. They later divorced, and in 1958, he married Minnie Guy and helped raise her two sons, Chuck and Robert. Claude lived in San Diego for a good portion of his adult life, then Livermore, CA and Medford, OR. Before moving to Rogue River, he and Minnie lived in Henderson, Nevada, for 20 years. Claude loved to tinker with things and could fix just about anything. He enjoyed tinkering with stuff, automobile repair, house building...anything that involved his hands and his mind. He was always up on current events and loved to discuss politics. He leaves behind many who love him including: His wife, Minnie Brown of Henderson, Nevada; daughters, Winnie Krushensky of San Diego, CA, Kathryn Boone of National City, CA and Nancy Birdsall (Kendall) of Rogue River, OR; step-sons, Chuck Guy of Boulevard, CA, and Robert Guy (Joanne) of Tehachapi, CA; 16 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Della; his brother, William (Buster) Brown; half-sister, Vera; and brother, Frank Brown. Thank you to Lovejoy Hospice for all their tender care and kindness to Claude and the entire family during the past few weeks. We'll miss you, Grandpa.