Howard Brown

Howard A. Brown, 95, of Onida, passed away, Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at Avera St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, May 22, ,2017 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Onida with Father Jerry Kopel, celebrant. Burial followed at the Onida Cemetery. A rosary service began at 6:30 p.m. followed by a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, Sunday, May 21, 2017, all at the church.

Howard was born on June 30, 1921 to Sophie M. (Evers) and Alexander H. Brown in Tennis, SD. He died on May 16, 2017 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre, SD. Howard grew up near Orient-Polo area before moving to Hyde County as a young man.

On November 26, 1945, he married Eleanor (Tudy) Money of Onida, SD and they celebrated their 70^th wedding anniversary on Thanksgiving Day in 2015 just a few days before Tudy died. Howard and Tudy settled in Hyde County before moving to eastern Sully County where they ranched and farmed for sixty-nine years in Norfolk Township.

Together they raised eleven children: Helen, Anthony, Joan, Robert, Catherine, Pauline, Richard, Patrick, John, Daniel and Randall.

Howard was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church and served on the School Board for Norfolk School #13.

He enjoyed ranching, horseback riding and had a true cowboy spirit.   He often said he was born a hundred years too late. Howard kept a herd of cows so he would have calves every spring and rode his saddle horse daily until he was in his nineties.

Howard was an entertaining storyteller and his memory about his younger days was remarkable until the end. You could show him a photo from the 1930’s and he knew everyone in it and had a “story” to tell about it. Howard, also, loved playing practical jokes on everyone. Most everyone had been a victim to them over the years.

He is survived by his children: Joan (Bob Bishop) of Overland Park, KS; Bob (Sandy) of Onida, SD; Cathy (Paul) Suppes of Brighton, CO; Pauline (Jim) Forsell of Brooksville, FL; Richard and Patrick of Onida, SD; John of Watkinsville, GA; and Randy of Pierre, SD; fifteen grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Patsy Brown; sisters, Marie Wargo and Patty Stephens; sister-in-law, Delores Brown; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor (Tudy); his parents and grandparents; his daughter, Helen Barents; sons, Tony Brown and Danny Brown; son-in-law, David Paxton; and his grandson, Matthew Suppes.

He will be remembered as a kind, compassionate, humble soul who loved his family, rocks, prairie flowers and his Catholic faith.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Howard’s arrangements.