John Bruce Brown, 72, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Monday, May 16, 2016 at the Golden Living Center in Wilson, Kansas.

John was born at the family home on July 14, 1943 in Quenemo, Kansas, the son of Orlin and Iva (Watkins) Brown.  He grew up and attended school in Ellinwood and Great Bend, Kansas. 

John served his country in the Army Reserves for 26 years and where he had the rank of Staff Sergeant.

John lived in the Russell, Kansas area from 1972 to 1996.  He met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Sandra K. Nuss on February 16, 1965, in Great Bend, Kansas.  From this union John and Sandra were blessed with 2 daughters Melodie and Misty.  Later, unfortunately John and Sandra divorced in 1987.  During that time he was the general manager for Russell Tire.  Then in 1996 he moved to Wichita, Kansas where he worked for Old Mission Cemetery as a laborer.  He retired in 2005 and returned to the Russell area.  He was a member of National Rifle Association and Ducks Unlimited.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and boating with his family.

Surviving family include his ex-wife Sandra Brown and his two daughters, Melodie Anschutz (Derrick) of Russell, Kansas and Misty Brown (Michael Werth) of Russell, Kansas; and two grandchildren, David Brown and Jordan Werth.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Bernice Nightengale, and two brothers James Brown and Walter Brown.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, May 23, 2016 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell.  No visitation will be held, cremation has preceded the services.  Family will greet guests the day of the service.  Memorials may be given to the John B. Brown Memorial Fund and sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, who is in charge of these arrangements.