Earnest Wayne Brown

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Earnest Wayne Brown, 79, of Gonzales, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020. Wayne was born Oct. 16, 1940 in Mason, Texas to Wesley Ernest Brown and Treasure Lena Pearl Simor Brown. Wayne married the love of his life Carol Ann Cox on Dec. 24, 1958 in Gonzales. Wayne had been a member of the Seydler Street Church of Christ.

“Wayne, Red, WB” as everyone knew him, started out at the age of 15 working in poultry houses. At the age of 18 he married the love of his life, Carol Ann Cox. After a short commitment to the National Guard he was sent home to Gonzales, Texas where he and Carol started their family.

His love for work grew as he managed a local lumber company for 24 years. Where he made many lifelong friendships that he truly cherished. He took great pride in caring for his family and loved to take them on adventures. His favorite destination being Kinder, La. Win or lose, he always came back with a smile on his face. Wayne was raised at a time where hard work was expected from a man, but he made sure to teach his family the importance of honesty and hard work. In 1986, using a barn in his backyard, a bale of hay, and sheet of plywood for a desk, he started WB Farm and Ranch. With hard work and dedication, he built a business that he and his family are proud of. Wayne worked very closely with his son and together they helped shape a community and provide jobs.

Earnest Wayne Brown was the definition of a trustworthy man. His handshakes were as permanent as ink, and his smile genuine. He lived life with integrity and faith. He was a man of true grit, just like the cowboys you only read about in books, He stood by his word and his family. God and family were what truly mattered in his life.

Wayne is survived by his adoring family, daughter and son-in-law, Lisa Treasure Kotzebue and Michael Lawler of Gonzales, daughter-in-law, Rosie Brown and Harlen Wilkerson of Gonzales, brother and sister-in-law, Sidney and Bendra Brown of Victoria, grandchildren, Chase Kotzebue, Cassidy Kotzebue and fiancé Alex Zente, Caleigh Kotzebue, Austin Brown, Dakota Brown, Brandon Brown and fiancé Damaris Green, Eric Hull, Kirstie and husband Kevin Kuntschik and Luke Lawler, great-grandchildren, Hailey, Wesley, Zackary, Ryan, Greyson, Easton, Gatlyn, Colt, Beau, Dax, Cooper, Kolby, Brylie and Trigg. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years Carol Ann Brown, son, Wesley Keith Brown, grandson, Wesley Erick Brown, and a sister, Mary Alice Wells.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 in Seydler-Hill Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Seydler-Hill Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Matt Pennington officiating. Interment will follow in Hermann Sons Cemetery. Pallbearers: Chase Kotzebue, Austin Brown, Dakota Brown, Brandon Brown, Eric Hull, Dustin Basquez, Alex Zente and Carlos Camarillo. Honorary Pallbearers: Cassidy Kotzebue, Caleigh Kotzebue and Kirstie Kuntschik. Memorials may be made to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, American Cancer Society or the Texas Elks Children’s Services. Friends may leave their condolences by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com. Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.

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