Walter I. Brown

Walter I. "Brownie" Brown, 75, of Westfield Health Care Center, formerly of Oriental Park, Bemus Point, died Monday, February 4, 1991, in the health center.

A Bemus point area resident for most of his life, he was born April 21, 1915, in Jamestown, a son of Irving J. and Berth Fluent Brown.

Brown was a 1933 graduate of Bemus Point High School. After graduation, he pursued a career in professional baseball which took him to the major leagues with the 1946-47 St Louis Browns of the American League.

In 1948 he entered the U.S. Navy. After his discharge he continued playing in the Southern Baseball League and the Canadian League. Later he played and coached locally with the Steel Partition Bombers and the Bemus Point County League team. Brown was one of the initial inductees in the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame.

He was employed by the New York State Conservation Department until he retired in 1979. He was a former member of the Jamestown Loyal Order of the Moose, Jamestown American Legion and Fluvanna War Vets Recreation Club.

Surviving are his wife, Frances Ruth Burroughs Brown whom he married June 23, 1939, in Kilgore, TX, a daughter Laurrie Josephson of Pinehurst, TX, three sons, Barry D. Brown of Jamestown, Brian J. Brown of Bemus Point, and Thomas I. Brown of Lakewood, and 11 grandchildren: Kimberly and Landon Josephson, both of Pinehurst, Doug and Kevin Brown of Jamestown, Kerri, Kristopher and Bradley Brown, all of Bemus Point, Erin, Andrew and Jared Brown, all of Lakewood, and Steven Brown of Jamestown.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Timothy A. Brown, who died July 14, 1983, and a sister Geniveve Brown.

The family suggests memorials may be made to the Bemus Point Fire Department or Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame.

Burial will be in the Bemus Point Cemetery. Freary Funeral Home in Mayville is in charge of arrangements.