Obituary of David L. Browne

IN LOVING MEMORY OF DAVID L. BROWNE II David L. Browne, II, passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 9, 2013, in Norton, Kansas. He was born October 6, 1930, to David and Helen (Correll) Browne. David was a fourth generation Norton county resident and graduated from Norton Community High School in 1948. He entered the University of Notre Dame in 1948, studying Business and Accounting. After his junior year, he served two years with the United States Marine Corps in Korea, attaining the rank of sergeant. He then returned to Notre Dame graduating in 1954. After graduation, he became office manager for the Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company in Kansas City. It was there he met and married Norma "Honey" Wurster Browne on June 23, 1956. In 1960, he returned to the family business, operating Browne's Clothing in Norton and Hays. Under Dave's direction the business thrived for over three decades. After retirement he continued to operate Browne farms. David was also involved in community affairs serving on the County Fair Board, as chairman of the United Fund Campaign, the Norton School Board and Booster Club, the Norton Hospital Board, the First Security Bank Board, and the Norton Development Corporation. The Browne family has been a strong supporter of the Norton Library. David, his brother, John, and sister, Ann Davis, donated the Browne's Store building to the youth of Norton County. David was preceded in death by his parents, his aunt, Mary M. Browne, and his brother, John. He is survived by his wife, Norma, daughters: Becky (Hank) Spencer of Marshfield, WI; Lisa (Bruce) Fillingim of Coppell, TX; and sons: David III (Joan) Browne of Colby, KS; Steve (Julie) Browne, of Leawood, KS; Chris (Kerrie) Browne of Tulsa, OK; and 14 grandchildren. A memorial has been established to the Norton Public Library.