
A. Douglas Brown, 96, of Franklin passed away December 2, 2019 at Pendleton Manor. Born December 9, 1922 in Keyser, WV, he was the son of the late Frank R. Brown and Ethel Haines Brown all of Keyser, WV.
Mr. Brown was a 1940 graduate of Franklin High School. He attended Fairmont State College and before his induction in the US Army, he attended Greenbrier Military School. In 1943, he was called into duty in the US Army for World War II. During his time in the Army, Doug experienced many battles. He was part of the First Infantry Division that stormed the beaches of Normandy. Brown was wounded three times collecting three Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars. He received many additional medals for his service with his last being the French Legion of Honor awarded by France in 2013. This prestigious award is the highest medal that France gives to non-citizen soldiers. After serving his country, he came home to join his father in business at Brown Funeral Home which also provided ambulance services to the community.
In 1947 he married Lillian Belle Mullenax, his wife of almost 64 years, who proceeded him in death. He is survived by a son, Jim Brown and wife, Sheila, of Franklin, 7 grandchildren: Stephanie Wilde and husband, Chris, of San Antonio, TX; Laura Brown of Franklin, WV; Christian Brown and wife, Chaz, of Harrisonburg, VA; Emily Valenti and husband, Joe, of Teays Valley, WV; Allison Brown and fiance, Jordan Raice, of Los Angeles, CA; James Brown and wife, Erin, of Culloden, WV; and Jonathan Brown of Teays Valley, WV and eleven great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by: 2 brothers, E. Hadley Brown (2017), Frank Brown (1984); and a sister, Evelyn Brown (1921)
During his lifetime, Doug was active with the Gideons International for over 50 years.
One of his biggest joys was sharing his love for Christ in the schools. He was an amateur ham radio operator, a member of the Franklin Volunteer Fire Department, Masonic Lodge #144 AF & AM, a member of Living Faith Church, and was involved in the building committee for Pendleton Manor. In retirement Brown loved traveling, volunteering at State Farm Insurance and was passionate about music. Brown had a genuine love for people and never met a stranger.
Funeral services were on Saturday, December 7 in the funeral home chapel, with Pastor Stephen Teter and Pastor Josh Blount officiating. Interment was in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Franklin, with Military Honors conducted by The Pendleton County Veterans Honor Guard and Camp Dawson Representatives.

