Claude Edward Brown, 96, passed away on November 3, 2026, at his residence. He was born on July 27, 1930, in Sullivan, Missouri, the son of Virgil James Brown and Bertha Ann (Roderique).

Claude honorably served his country in the United States Army. His service and sacrifice will be recognized with full military honors.

A lifelong carpenter, Claude took pride in his work and the things he built throughout his years in the carpentry industry. He spent his life working with his hands. He was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, and his family was an important part of his life. He enjoyed traveling the country with his camper, telling stories and reading/watching westerns. He loved to have a beer and tinker with things around the house. Claude was a member of the American Legion Post 347 and Elks 2651 in St. Clair, and The VFW Post 2661 in Washington.

Claude was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil James Brown and Bertha Ann (Roderique) Teuteberg; his wife, Eleanor “Penny” (nee Homeyer) Brown; his in-laws, August and Florene (Meise) Homeyer; and other members of his extended Homeyer family, including August “Shorty” (Lucille) Homeyer Jr., Marjorie (Stanley) Wilke, Harvey Homeyer, Lorene (Norman) Boland, Dorothy (Ralph) Jones, Florene (James) Neier, Earl Homeyer, and Helen (James) Desmond. He was also preceded in death by his stepmother Blanche Brown (Lemon) and his daughter-in-law, Sandee Brown; brother Junior Brown and his sister Sue (Bob) Lowe; his grandson Jerod Brown and great grandson Hayden Specker.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Kevin Brown of Washington, Rick Brown of Washington, Jeff Brown of Washington, Michelle Brown of St. Louis, and Steve Brown (Becky) of Washington.

Claude also leaves behind his grandchildren, Clarissa (Tommy) Specker, Katie (Jonathan) Rendon, Jenn (Nick Brobst) Brown, Jess (Micah) McGuire, and Abby (Austin Weiss) Brown; and his great-grandchildren, Sofia and Emma Specker; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Visitation will be held Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Midlawn Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Midlawn Memorial Gardens.

Arrangements in care of Midlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens.