Harry Brown

Harry Lester Brown, 92, of Idaho Falls, passed away August 11, 2016, in Idaho Falls, Idaho at the Hospice of Eastern Idaho’s Hospice House. He was born June 29, 1924, in the family farmhouse in Brimfield, Massachusetts, the 11th child of Philip Theodore Brown and Lena Elizabeth Bolton Brown.

After graduating from high school before his 17th birthday, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in October 1942. He served as an aerial gunner in a B-24 Liberator bomber with the 15th Air Force, based in Italy. After his plane crashed in Romania, he spent time there as a prisoner of war.

Following his release and return to the United States, he received aerial photographer training at Lowry Field in Denver, Colorado. While in Denver, he met Irene Seeley. They married on August 25, 1946.

Harry studied at the Colorado School of Mines, where he received Engineering and Master of Science degrees, specializing in metallurgy. His work career included positions at an oil refinery in Kansas City, Kansas; Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory (New Mexico); the National Reactor Testing Station; Idaho National Engineering Laboratory; and Idaho National Laboratory; retiring in 1986.

In retirement, he described himself as a dedicated conservationist and materials recycler, finding ways to maximize materials reuse. He enjoyed baking breads and pies to share with his family and friends.

Harry was preceded in death by his wife, Irene; his parents; and 14 brothers and sisters. He is survived by his son, Gordon Brown; two daughters, Gail Shimmin and Glenda Brown; two granddaughters, Laura Shimmin and Karen Shimmin; and one great grandson, Max Shimmin Wang.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Hospice of Eastern Idaho.

A gathering will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Saturday, October 15, 2016, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Avenue.

Memorial Gathering will be held