Everett Edward Brown, 82, passed away July 8, 2026, at Azria Health in Great Bend, Kan. He was born Aug. 8, 1943, in Ainsworth, Neb. to Everett and Wilma (Lake) Brown. He married Dorothy Jean Owens, Jan. 31, 1974, in Vernon, Texas. She saved him a seat, in heaven, April 25, 2026.

Everett proudly served in the United States Army from 1960 until 1963, earning the rank as Sergeant. He continued to show his patriotism by becoming a member of the American Legion and the NRA. He then worked for over 20 years at Westoff Sand Company and then moved on to Sherwood Construction Co., Inc. After leaving there, he continued his construction career at Stone Sand Co., Inc. as a Heavy Equipment Operator for many years until he retired June 4, 2020. He enjoyed mowing, casting a line fishing, or hunting with his brother and friends. He had a special interest in guns, collecting many through his years. Everett was a good ‘ol boy with an ornery streak a mile wide but, you knew he liked you if he was picking on you. If you crossed his path, you were bound to earn a nickname. He lived his life to bring a smile to other’s faces, and he succeeded in a life well lived.

Survivors include daughter, Shauna Buffinton of Great Bend; sons, Michael Brown and his wife Audra of Mountain Park, Okla., Jason Brown and his wife Angela of Perkins, Okla.; grandchildren, Amber Brown, Cindy Brown, Brittany Brown, Trey Buffinton, Cadence Buffinton, Logan Brown; great grandchildren, Kannon Brown, Delaney Brown, Oliver Depiesse, Eva Brown; numerous nieces and nephews; his beloved yorkie pug, Yoda, affectionally known as Yodie Bear; brother-in-law, Ken Marsten of Texas; sister-in-law, Jan Brown of Nebraska. He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife of 52 years, Dorothy Jean Brown; brothers, Eldon Brown, Glen Brown, Ivan Brown; sisters, Viola Sears, Maxine Davis, Betty Jean, Cindy Marsten, and Lillie Duffield.

Visitation will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, July 18, 2026, with military honors at 1 p.m., conducted by American Legion Argonne Post 180 and Fort Riley Honor Guard, at Bryant Funeral Home. A private family burial for Dorothy and Everett to be reunited will be held at a later date. Memorials have been designated to Golden Belt Humane Society, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 11, 2026