Harold (Baben) Vernon Brown passed away peacefully at the Garfield County Health Center on February 8, 2022.
Baben was born December 23, 1941 in Jordan, Montana. He was the 6th child of Ira and Minnie (Milroy) Brown joining siblings Adrian, William, Fredrick, Margaret, Sterling with Delpha (Toots) following shortly thereafter. His early years were spent in Jordan, entering 1st Grade at Jordan Elementary and graduating from GCHS in 1959. His mother used to say he was always taking engines apart. When he was no more than 6 or 8 years old he was taking the washing machine motor apart and putting it back together just to get the washing machine to run.
He enlisted in the US Navy on June 29, 1960. He served on the USS Tulare. He was transferred to Kodiak, Alaska where he was a mechanic in the naval shop. He was in Kodiak in 1964 when the Great Alaska Earthquake, the second most powerful earthquake recorded in world history, hit on Good Friday. Things were disintegrating before them and his barracks full of sailors headed uphill to safety and the hill kept falling down. He finished his active duty in Bremerton, Washington re-commissioning ships. He was discharged on June 24, 1964 and transferred to Naval Reserve terminating on June 28, 1966 as an E5 Machinist.
Upon returning home in 1964 he went to Jefferson, South Dakota to the race track to help his father and mother. The following year found him working at the Pioneer Garage for Harold Hageman, where he stayed until 1969. Baben and Joyce McWilliams were married in June of 1966, and divorced a few years later. In 1969 he went to Miles City where he worked for Love Motor until the spring of 1973 when he left for California. He went to work for San Bernardino County at the County Garage in Barstow where he made lifelong friends. He entertained many friends and relatives during his stay in California. He was a great guide, his favorite place being Scotty’s Castle in Death Valley National Park.
In 1979 Baben returned to Billings, Montana working for the City of Billings in the Motor Pool Department until he retired in 2001. Upon retirement he returned home to Jordan where he took pride in his yard, old tractors and old cars.
Baben valued his friends and relatives who often stopped in to visit. He also liked to take short road trips with his cousins. Baben’s home was open to anyone who needed a place to stay. Many nieces and nephews stayed with him while furthering their education. Some just spent a night or two.
Baben is survived by siblings Margaret Cremer, Sterling (Jan) Brown, and Delpha Wood. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Adrian, William and Fred Brown and nephews Delbert Rhoads and Kim Rhoads along with many furry friends and constant companions.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 13, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 14, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Military Graveside services will follow at the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sunday February 13, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Monday February 14, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Monday February 14, 2022
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sunday February 13, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Monday February 14, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Monday February 14, 2022
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Glen and Teena Bollinger says
Our deepest sympathy to all the family on your loss!
Glen and Teena Bollinger
Phil and Darlene Shawver says
Condolences to all of Baben’s Family May you find comfort in all of your Memories and in Gods Love
Agnes and Ken Drane says
1We was so sorry to hear of the passing of Baben .May God Bless The Family
Jan Ronning says
Deepest Sympathy to all of the Brown family. I remember many happy memories spent at the Hell Creek cabin and Baben’s kindness and affection toward all the kids. Baben and my Dad were like Brothers, enjoying a life time of friendship. Go gently Baben into your heavenly rewards.
Cynthia Gregg-Hope says
Trips to visit Baben when he lived in Billings are a memory of my childhood I will always remember. Sorry to hear of his passing.
Dorthy M Ley says
So sorry for the loss of Baben I did not know him well knew Freddie & Sterling better. But still loosing one of your siblings is tough. May you have many happy memories of your little brother & hope you have many pictures. My heartfelt sympathy.