Louis R. Brown

Louis R. Brown, 80, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born on May 10, 1946, he was the son of Lloyd C. Brown and Glenice I. (Campbell) Brown.

Louis spent his entire life in Ottawa, cultivating deep roots in the community.

He graduated from Ottawa High School in 1964. Louis married Sharon J. McCurdy in October of that year. The couple was blessed with three children during their 61 years together.

Louis was a proud union bricklayer (Local 18), a member from 1965 until his passing in 2026. His commitment to his craft earned him a sixty-year recognition award in the Fall of 2025. He also received a Best Region 7 Brick Project award in 2002 for his impressive work on the Sprint World Headquarters in Overland Park, Kansas and Best National Brick Project in 2003 for his work at the Merrilac Center. Following in the footsteps of his father, Louis worked alongside his brothers, Dale and Duane, in masonry contracting. His career began at McCollum Hall on the University of Kansas campus and fittingly concluded fifty-five years later at the Pharmaceutical building on that same campus. He retired from J.E. Dunn Construction after many years of dedicated service.

Louis enjoyed simple pleasures, such as afternoon coffee with friends at McDonald's and pursuing genealogy research, a passion that occupied many devoted hours. He also enjoyed time spent with his good friend Ed Wehrle.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Ward Lee, Dale, and Duane; and sisters Norma Schoonover (Charles) and Nancy Mille (David). Louis is survived by his loving wife Sharon; sons Steve and Jeff Brown; daughter Sheri Watts (Ryan); and grandchildren Cole Brown, Jeffery Brown, and Brandon Hodges. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be held Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 5:00 - 7:00pm at Dengel & Son Mortuary, Ottawa, Kansas. Memorial services will be at 11:00am the following day, Friday July 10, 2026. Burial to follow at Highland Cemetery.

In honor of Louis, memorial contributions may be made to Franklin County Cancer Foundation or charity of their choice.

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