Obituary

Long time Ann Arbor resident, known to many by his signature Stetson hat and cowboy boots, Paul "Brownie" Brown, age 88, passed away December 25, 2010 surrounded by his loving family. Paul served in the CCC's in 1939 and 1940 performing erosion control and agricultural duties in Caledonia, MN. In 1942 he came to Michigan and enlisted in the US Army. He was sent to Hamilton Field in California, serving as a power plant operator before being medically discharged in 1943. Paul returned to Ann Arbor in 1943 where he met Veda at the White Spot Café on Main St. Veda was drawn to his "Paul Newman" blue eyes and Paul was drawn to her tender ways. They were married June 15, 1944 in Poplar Bluff, MO. Paul was a car dealer from 1943 to 2006, owning and operating the business he loved, Paul Brown Auto Sales. During these years he provided for his family and satisfied his passion for antique vehicles, the ones he couldn't afford yet admired in earlier years of life. Countless hours were spent restoring and caring for his cars, driving them, showing them, and then passing them on to the next trusted collector. Paul is survived by his wife of 66 years, Veda, two daughters, Betty (James) Alberts, Paulette Brown, three grandchildren, Kimberly (Randy) Elkins, Paul (Barbara) Parrish, Matthew (Jenna) Brown, two great grandchildren, Dean Parrish and Keith Elkins, one brother Elvin (Linda) Brown. His family wishes to recognize the loving care provided by Laurie Feldt, Randy Elkins and the team of nurses and aides of Arbor Hospice. Paul, Dad, Papa, Brownie, will be missed daily by his loving family and countless friends. We will remember him often as we recall our own special moments with him or by one of his witty comments or jokes, so appropriately timed and delivered to elicit a smile and a laugh. Paul's family will receive friends at the Nie Family Funeral Home, Liberty Rd Chapel, 3767 W. Liberty Rd., Ann Arbor from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm with a Masonic service at 7 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 29th at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Judy Jahnke officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Arbor Hospice or the Alzheimer's Association of Michigan. Please visit Paul's personal webpage at www.niefuneralhomes.com to leave a memory.