Gene Brownell

Gene Russell Brownell died March 9th at his home in Wickenburg. Gene was born in Deadwood, South Dakota June 3, 1932 to Sam and Hazel Brownell. He grew up in the foothills of the Black Hills and went to College in Colorado. He graduated from Colorado A&M in 1953, enjoying an outstanding Intercollegiate Rodeo record. He is survived by his wife Bobbie Jo, three children, Steve, Danae, & Don, daughter in law Becky, three grandchildren, Bonnie, Crystal and Alex. One great-granddaughter, Ryan. Gene's professional life centered on Mortgage Loans to Ranchers, Ranch Real Estate and was a Certified Appraiser representing Rancher adjoining Interstate 40 through Arizona and New Mexico: Western Regional Manager for Mutual of New York Ranch Loan Division. His greatest love was raising and racing Thoroughbred horses in California and flying his light aircraft. He and Bobbie Jo relocated to Wickenburg in 1978. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date and as he wished, his ashes will be returned to the Black Hills of South Dakota. God saw him getting tired And a cure was not to be So he put his arms around him and Whispered "Come with Me" With tearful eyes we watched him suffer And saw him fade away Although we loved him dearly We could not ask him to stay A kind heart stopped beating A tired body laid to rest And once again, God proved to us He only takes the best.