Marshall Francis Brown, M.D.

Marshall Francis Brown, M.D., passed away Thursday night, October 28, 2010 at his home in Gilbert, Arizona from causes incident to his age. He was 90 years old. Dr. Brown, an only child, was born to Frank Edward and Mae Leona (Smith) Brown on June 6, 1920 in Virginia, St. Louis County, Minnesota. He was an only child probably because he weighed 12 pounds at birth! He was affectionately called "Marsh" throughout his life by family and close friends. As a child, Marsh, was extremely smart and brilliant. He was academically gifted in that he learned things quickly and had excellent recall skills. At age 17, four years prior to World War II, he served in the United States Navy. Then, when the war broke out in December of 1941, he went to re-enlist but found the enlistment line for the Navy too long. Marsh liked to get things done right away; he saw the Coast Guard Recruitment center right next door and it had a much shorter line. Hence, the remainder of his service was in the U.S. Coast Guard. As he was so patriotic and wanted to serve, Marsh didn't want anything to interfere with his recruitment. And because he had a stigmatism in his left eye, Marsh actually memorized the "eye-chart" the night before. He was so grateful to serve and protect the borders of this Great Nation. Following WWII, Marsh enrolled at the University of Minnesota. After many years of dedicated study and tutelage he received his Doctorate Degree in Medicine in 1953. That put him on a path of care that blessed the lives of many hundreds and thousands of people. In 1954, Dr. Brown married Norma Jean "Gussie" Augustus in Gresham, Oregon. Several years later, their marriage ended in divorce. In 1955, Dr. Brown started his general practice in Gresham, where he continued to practice for 40 years until retiring at age 75. In 1972 he met his life's love, Peggy Ann Williams. They were married on April 14, 1975 in Oregon City, Oregon. They had a beautiful marriage together and were extremely close. They were so close that they would regularly finish each other's sentences. In 1993, when Dr. Brown was 73 years old, he joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The following year, he and Peggy had their marriage sealed for Time and All Eternity in the Portland Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Marsh had such a great love for his Savior. He truly lived that testimony of love as he so willingly gave of himself in tender service to others. He was a gentle and loving husband, devoted father and doting grandfather. He and Peggy moved to Arizona from Oregon in 1998. Dr. Brown knew of the nobility of the human race and found great joy as he served them throughout his long and beautiful life. Marshall Francis Brown, Sr. is survived by: his wife, Peggy Ann Brown of Gilbert, Arizona; 1 daughter, Pamela Mae (Destry) Lunt of Gilbert, Arizona; 3 sons: Marshall F. Brown, Jr. "Skip McRobert" of Portland, Oregon, Gregory Brown of Gresham, Oregon, Timothy Paul McRobert of Gresham, Oregon and 6 grandchildren. The public visitation will be from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Thursday, November 4, 2010 at the Palo Verde Ward Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 234 N. Greenfield Road (1/4 mile north of Elliot Road) in Gilbert, Arizona. The funeral service will begin 10:00 A.M., Friday, November 5, 2010 at the Palo Verde Ward Chapel, where additional visitation will be from 9:00 to 9:45 A.M. The concluding service, with military honors, will follow at Mountain View Memorial Gardens in Mesa, Arizona. Memorial Contributions in Marsh's memory to: The Perpetual Education Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been suggested by his family. Arrangements are being cared for by Owens Livingston Mortuary - White Mountain Chapel of Show Low, Arizona.