MEXICO – Kenneth Richard Brown, 74, of Lakeland, Fla., and Mexico, went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 12, with his family at his side.

Ken was born March 29, 1933, in Mexico, the son of Ralph and Annie Brown. He attended Mexico schools, graduated from Mexico High School in 1951, served in the National Guard, and retired from Boise Cascade in Rumford after many years of service.

He had served two terms as a school board member of SAD 43. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Mexico, serving as a deacon, and a group leader of the Boys Brigade.

On Feb. 24, 1951, he married the love of his life, Sadie Ramey, and together they raised five children. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend and will be missed by all who knew him. He was an honest, kind, and giving man and always willing to help others in need. He took great pride in attending his grandchildrens’ events. He loved family gatherings, spaghetti feeds, laughing, traveling, visiting relatives and fast cars.

He leaves behind two daughters, Brenda McInnis and husband, Timothy, of Rumford and Bonnie Buckingham and husband, Bruce, of Mexico; three sons, Kenneth R. Brown Jr. and wife, Linda, of Lakeland, Fla., Robert J. Brown and wife, Gloria, of Lakeland, Fla., and Randy J. Brown of West Palm Beach, Fla.; grandchildren, Jill Brown and husband, Justin, Melissa McInnis and fiancé, Wes Eberlin, Amy Buckingham and husband, David, Sarah Gunter and husband, Dean, T.J. McInnis, Megan Brown, Robert Brown Jr., Austin Brown and Lori Brown; two great-grandsons, Tyler Gunter and Shea Gallagher; two brothers, Robert J. Brown of Jacksonville, Fla., and John N. Brown and wife, MaryAnn, of Morganton, Ga.

He was predeceased by his wife of more than 50 years, Sadie Brown; and parents, Ralph and Annie Brown.