Sammy Brown

Sammy Lee Brown, age 85 of Riley, passed away Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan.

He was born on November 20, 1939, in Aline, Oklahoma, the son of Leo and Wanita (Arthur) Brown. He married Grace Brandenburg on June 21, 1964, at the Riley Methodist Church.

Sammy worked various jobs throughout his career, including helping build the Milford Dam, serving as a carpenter for Lee Brothers in Manhattan, owning and operating Sam Brown Concrete, and later working in the maintenance department for U.S.D. 378 School District.

Sammy was a lifelong enthusiast of racing. Whether watching from the stands, his living room, or racing himself in his younger years. He brought home over 40 trophies, including one for setting a record for Class B stock models with automatic transmissions in the 1st Annual Drag World Super Stock Championships held in Wichita, Kansas, in the late 1960s. Sammy was also an avid darts player, playing in the Manhattan league for several years.

He is survived by his wife, Grace Brown of Riley; one son, Alan Brown and wife Samantha of Riley; one daughter, Annette Peare and husband Scott of Leavenworth; two grandsons, Kobe Brown and wife Katie of Hutchinson and Kameron Brown of Riley; one great granddaughter, Sutton Brown; two brothers, Bob Brown and Dennis (April) Brown; and three sisters, Mary Nugen, Marge (Tom) Purdy, and Doris (Dewayne) Lofton.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Cremation is planned with a private family service at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Fraternal Order of Eagles Cancer Fund. Donations may be sent to F.O.E. Charity Foundation, 1623 Gateway Circle South, Grove City, Ohio 43123. All checks should be made payable to F.O.E. Charity Foundation, with the designation 'Cancer Fund' labeled in the memo line. To make a credit card donation, please contact Kim Fifer at 614-883-2207.