Wayne “Big Daddy” Elwood Brown Sr., 88, a resident of Keene and Lake Worth FL., passed away peacefully with the love of family by his side on Friday, April 26, 2024, at Keene Center Genesis.
He was born to the late Eva A. (Ingles) and Norman C. Brown on December 25, 1935, in Henniker, NH.
Wayne was the founder of W.E. Brown roofing in 1960 until he retired, at which time his son, Wayne Jr., continued in his place.
Wayne enjoyed many things in life such as furniture restoration, horseshoes which he won a championship, Ten Pin bowling, shooting pool, avid NASCAR fan and attended many races, and rose gardens. He had a love for antique cars, especially his 54 Mercury which was known all over New England. Wayne was one of the founding members of the Keene Area Klassics car club in Keene, he was a member of the Moose Lodge in Keene and Florida, he served as Governor for the Keene lodge and the youngest to earn the Pilgram Yellow Jacket. An honor bestowed on few for his best work towards Moose Heart, a place for wayward children, he also was a member at the St. Bernard Catholic Church Parish of the Holy Spirit in Keene. Wayne was known as “Big Daddy” or to some as Keene’s oldest teenager. He never looked his age! He was always ready to help a friend in need and did that his whole life.
Mr. Brown is survived by his partner Kathleen R. Kitterdge of Lake Worth, FL., his children, Wayne Brown Jr. and his wife, Pam “the little one” of Surry, Ty C. Brown and his wife, Jenny of Swanzey, Charlene Brown Gatker and her husband, Paul of Leyden, MA., Kathleens daughters, Kelly Kitterdge- Gilbo and her husband, Bob of Lake Worth, FL., and Carrie Mahr of Lake Worth, FL. He is also survived by his grandchildren Trina Brown-Casten and her husband, Logan, Jacob Brown, Melissa Tarver, Ty C. Brown II and his wife Marianna, Jonathan Brown, Jason and his wife Alaina Seavey, Emma Cashin, Jef Newcombe and Molly Baird. His great grandchildren, Weston Carsten, Elias Brown, Ian, Evan, Anyah Tarver, Mason Fields, and Adam Seavey, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Wayne was predeceased by his parents and his 7 siblings.
A wake will be held at from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at the Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03431. A private burial will be at the Monadnock View Cemetery, 499 Park Ave, Keene, NH. 03431. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Home Healthcare, Marlborough St. Keene, NH. 03431.. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, Keene. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.
