Raymond C. Brower

Raymond C. Brower, 88, of Frankfort, KS, died Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at his home. Visitation was Sunday, July 15, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Padden Funeral Chapel, Frankfort. The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. A funeral service was held at 10 a.m., Monday, July 16, at the First Congregational Church, Centralia, KS. The Rev. Scott Caulley officiated. The musicians were Skip & Sally McMillen. Music included “One Day at a Time”, “How Great Thou Art” and “I Wouldn’t Change You If I Could.” The pallbearers were Greg Smith, Brian Smith, Ed Rinehart, Don Brower, Bill Meyer and Bob McDonald. The honorary pallbearers were David Meyer, Chuck Brower, Gary McDonald, Roger Johnson, Kenneth Rinehart and Steve McDonald. Burial was in the Centralia Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the U.S. Navy. Raymond was born January 30, 1924 at Centralia, KS, the son of Bruce and Margaret (Searing) Brower. He attended grade school in Centralia and graduated from Centralia High School in 1942. Raymond served in the U.S. Navy from March 1943 until January 1946 when he was honorably discharged. On June 9, 1956 he married Julia Rinehart at Seneca, KS. After his discharge from the U.S. Navy he worked at McBratney Welding in Centralia from 1946-1950. From 1950-1952 he worked at Forgy Plow Factory in Centralia and from 1952-1968 he worked at the Shawnee County Garage in Topeka, KS. He owned and operated Brower Welding in Frankfort from 1968-1990. Raymond was a lifelong and avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, cooking (especially fish), camping, and playing and watching sports. His parents; one sister, Betty Meyer; and three brothers, William, Robert and Richard Brower, preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife, Julia; sister, Opal (Don) Nixon, Manhattan, KS; brother, Ben (Shirley) Brower, Topeka; and several nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Contributions may be sent in care of Padden Funeral Chapel, 101 East 3rd, Frankfort, KS 66427. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Raymond C. Brower, please visit our flower store.