December 28, 2011

SUFFOLK — Charles E. Brown, age 83, of Creekside Drive in Painted Post, N.Y., formerly of Suffolk, Va., died Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011, at Muncy Valley Hospital in Muncy, Pa.

Charles was born in Lincolnton, N.C., on Oct. 3, 1928, to Bachman and Beulah (Isenhour) Brown. He was a graduate of Union High School in Vale, N.C., attended Lenoir Rhyne College, and graduated from Virginia Tech in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science, where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets. He served in the Army from 1953-1955 and married Edna Caldwell in 1955. His first job was an extension agent in Fincastle, Va., and a few years later, he and Edna bought a farm where they raised cattle and sheep. In 1963, he took a job as plant superintendent with Webster Brick Company, moving to Suffolk, Va. He had a love and talent for landscaping and growing plants, and eventually owned his own landscaping business in Suffolk until retirement.

Charles was a member of the Main Street United Methodist Church and served as an administrative board chairman, in prison ministry, as a member of council of ministries, pastor-parish relations committee, as a lay speaker, an adult Sunday school teacher, groundskeeper, and helped Edna in her areas of ministry in the church. He was a longtime member of the McLemore Bible Class. Charles served on the city of Suffolk’s Planning Commission and served as chairman for several years.

Charlie loved hunting, fishing, gardening, watching Hokie football, and spending time at their cabin on the Blue Ridge Parkway, which he loved almost as much as Edna. He enjoyed boating and was a member of the Nansemond River Power Squadron. Through these various activities, Charlie made many close and long-lasting friendships, which were a source of strength and support over the years. His kindness, generosity, and selflessness were examples for many.

Charlie loved his family and enjoyed traveling to Germany and Painted Post to spend time with them. There was never a doubt that his family was first in his life. In 2009, he and Edna relocated to Painted Post to be closer to the Patterson side of the family and where the Henschels visited whenever possible.

He is survived by his wife, Edna; two daughters, Catherine (David) Patterson, of Painted Post, and Rebecca (Carsten) Henschel, of Speyer, Germany; brother, Bachman (Mabel) Brown, of Kannapolis, N.C.; grandchildren, Joseph and Christopher Patterson, Martin, Julius and Helen Henschel; several nieces, nephews and cousins; many friends at Emeritus of Painted Post.

A memorial celebration of Charles’ life will be held at the Main Street United Methodist Church in Suffolk, Va., on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012 at 11 a.m. The family will receive friends in the R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home & Crematory on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012 from 7 to 8 p.m. Burial will be in Fincastle Cemetery, Fincastle, Va.

Memorials donations may be made in his name to Main Street UMC, Friday Night Community Dinner, 202 N. Main St., Suffolk, VA 23434. Condolences may be registered at www.rwbakerfh.com.