Luke Alan Brown, 40, of rural Moulton, left his earthly bounds on Thursday, September 23, 2021 with his loving wife by his side.
Luke was born on July 11, 1981, the surprise fifth child of Russell and Peggy Brown in Bloomfield, Iowa. He attended Heritage Christian School in Centerville as a child. He was a farmer, and a fighter from the beginning. He loved working God’s land and caring for His creatures great and small. He was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend. His friends came from all walks of life, and he was a stranger to no one. He enjoyed boxing, shooting pool, hunting, fishing, playing cards and a good fist fight. Growing-up on the Dean Bottom, he roamed the backroads with his friends James Klum and Cindy Boettcher, as well as his nieces and nephews. He had a dog named Sox as a childhood best friend. Luke could truly live off the land, providing his own meals from his fruitful labors of gardening and hunting for food. His parents bought his first air rifle at a young age, and in one winter he bragged about shooting 231 rabbits for food. He was a story-teller, a jokester and loved to give people a hard time – all in good fun. Luke was not one to ever be pushed around, he stood his ground. He was a Patriot, loving his country, supporting our military and law enforcement. He did, however, have a distaste for the DNR. He was a successful farmer, always providing extremely well for his family in-spite-of never having completed high school; his father taught him the skills he needed to succeed in life. Although there was a tremendous age gap between Luke and his older siblings, he always shouldered great responsibility and was the family leader. He enjoyed working with registered Hereford cattle. He was also a great mechanic, and there was almost nothing he couldn’t fix. He was dedicated to the farm, and rarely left the countryside he enjoyed so much, until he met his true love, Crystal. Having never seen the ocean, Luke soon learned to appreciate her “gypsy mermaid spirit” and together, they traveled far and wide, experiencing the world at their fingertips. While he was unimpressed with Hawaii, he was in awe with the beauty of Alaska, and also one of the seven wonders of the world the Panama Canal. He really loved the beautiful waters of Bermuda. Several years ago, the couple made a quick stop in Mexico on one of their cruises. Luke had great apprehension, but he thoroughly loved the experience. He was surprised by the friendly generosity of the culture there. On the other hand, after a brief stop in Canada, his distaste for Canadians quickly evolved.
His fighting spirit carried him through his lengthy battle with cancer. He worked hard on the farm, traveled with Crystal, supported her in her restaurant business, rental business, her entrepreneurial spirit, and attended many activities with his children. He never complained about being sick, he always kept going. The couple traveled to Mexico for a month’s stay for cancer treatments. He had a strong-will to live, and Crystal took him to the ends of the earth to get him the help he needed.
Luke is survived by the love of his life Crystal; his children Bryce, Jade, and Emily Brown, Stephanie (Lane Noland) and Alicin Leager, future son-in-law Cody Hindman; his loving mother Peggy Brown; his sisters Gena (Lewis) Hanes and Shelly (Lee J) Hanes; his brothers Kim Brown and Rusty Brown (Laura); nieces, nephews, and many great-nieces and great-nephews including his special little buddy, Melissa Hanes; his wife’s parents, Capt. Chucky and Rebecca Clark of Rock Hall, MD; aunts, uncles, cousins and admiring friends. He will also be missed by his sweet little canine companion, Ginger. He was preceded in death by his father, Russell Gene Brown.
There will a celebration of Luke’s life held on Tuesday, September 28t h, 5:00 p.m., at Whippoorwill Acres Wedding and Event Venue, Hwy. 63, Lancaster, Missouri. Interment at Chapel Cemetery in Livonia, Missouri for family and pallbearers. Cocktail hour with appetizers for guests at Whippoorwill while the family meets at his final resting place. Dinner reception and time with the family will follow. There will be a viewing from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. without the family present.
A memorial has been established in Luke’s memory to the Moulton Volunteer Firefighters Association. Arrangements are under the direction of the Norman Funeral Home of Lancaster, Missouri.