Russell M. Brown, age 92, passed away Sunday, July 5, 2009 at his home in Big Rapids following a brief illness. He was born June 10, 1917 in Gaines Township of Kent County to Alfred and Grace (McKersie) Brown. Russ graduated from South High School in Grand Rapids in 1935. He was a World War II veteran. He joined the United States Navy and served two years in the South Pacific as an Electrician's Mate 2nd class. Russ was hired by Michigan Bell Telephone Company and worked as station installer, telephone repairman and PBX installer and repairman. In 1940 he was transferred to the Big Rapids telephone exchange and has lived in that city ever since. Russ was a member of Big Rapids BPOE Lodge No. 974 for over 50 years. He was a member of the Elks Drill Team, held several lodge offices and served on many committees. He was also active in the Big Rapids American Legion Post No. 98 where he had served as Post Commander. Russ was a Life Member and Past Worshipful Master of the Big Rapids Masonic Lodge No. 171 and a member of the Lakeland Shrine Club. Russ was an active member of the Paris Trailblazers Snowmobile Club. The First United Methodist Church has been Russell's church for over 67 years. Local government interested Russ. First he was elected to the Big Rapids City Commission, a position he held for six years before being elected Mayor of Big Rapids for a two-year term. He was also elected to the Mecosta County Board of Supervisors, where he served two terms. Russ served as the secretary-treasurer for the Mecosta County Fair Board of Directors and served as a senior board member. Following his retirement from politics, he was the recipient of the Mecosta County Bar Association Liberty Bell Award. Russ loved flying and obtained his pilot's license. He became a member of the Big Rapids Flying Club which owned its own plane and was a 2nd Lieutenant in the Mecosta County Civil Air Patrol. Retirement agreed with Russ; after working 43 years for the telephone company, retiring in 1979 as Big Rapids Area Exchange repair foreman. He enjoyed playing cards, hunting, fishing and camping. When his children were young, on their summer vacations he took the camper and the family to visit every one of the United States (with the exception of Hawaii). Russ Brown has made a lasting impression on his community and will be forever missed by his loving family. He is survived by his beloved wife Genevieve, to whom he was married nearly 67 years; His three children, Gordon (Marilyn) Brown of Macomb, MI, Diane (Jim) Ludwig of Grand Rapids, Jan (Bob) Eastley of Big Rapids; 5 grandchildren, Randy Brown, Michael Brown, Danielle (Jeff) Scramlin, Amy (Chin) Kim, Sarah Eastley; 5 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Phyllis Ferris of Middleville, Bobbie Stuit of Mikado, MI; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will take place 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 9, 2009 at the First United Methodist Church in Big Rapids with Reverend Dean Prentiss officiating. Burial will be at Highland View Cemetery in Big Rapids with Military Honor's under the Auspices of the American Legion Post #98 Firing Squad. The family will greet friends on Wednesday, July 8th at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with an Elks Memorial service taking place at 7:30 p.m. that evening. Memorial contributions in Russ' name may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Big Rapids.