Gerald "Jerry" Raymond Brown

Gerald “Jerry” Raymond Brown, Sr., 81, passed away Saturday, October 20, 2018 at Landings of Oregon. Jerry was born May 29, 1937 in Mount Clemens, Michigan to James and Laverna (Moritz) Brown. He graduated from Clay Senior High School in 1956 and earned his Liberal Arts degree from Bowling Green State University in 1961. Jerry developed a passion for politics starting at an early age. He ran for Ohio State Senator in his 20’s. He served as an advance man for both the Humphrey/Muskee National Presidential campaign in 1968 and the McGovern/Shriver Presidential campaign in 1972. He later became the Legislative Assistant for both United States Congressman Ludlow Ashley from 1974-1980 and United States Senator Howard Metzenbaum from 1984 until the mid-1990s. As an active member of the Lucas County Democratic Party, Jerry worked tirelessly to improve the lives and well-being of his fellow citizens. He fought for social justice and served as a campaign consultant for many of our area’s past democratic politicians. Jerry was also a successful entrepreneur. He was the Founder and President of Oregon Realty, a real estate brokerage that served Northwest Ohio for more than 50 years. As an avid rower, Jerry founded the Maumee Bay Boating Company, was instrumental in the founding of the Toledo Rowing Club, and provided private rowing lessons for decades. Jerry was a lover of music. He enjoyed listening to live musicians especially the music of his sons, his grandsons, and one of his favorite local bands: Dan and Don.  He even spent time performing as a bass player with his sons in The Brownstone Blues Band. In his spare time, Jerry was an avid outdoorsman and environmentalist. He enjoying sailing, biking, cross-country skiing, and advocating for the nationwide protection of bald eagles. Jerry was an avid tennis player and lover of the arts, who often could be found on the tennis courts, listening to the Toledo Symphony from his front row seat at The Peristyle, or perfecting his craft as an accomplished floor organ player.

            Along with his wife, Barbara Guthrie, Jerry is survived by his sister, Judith Crouch; his five children: Jerry Brown, Jr., Keith Brown, Wendi Davis, Chris Brown, and James Brown; his eleven grandchildren: Blair Pearce, Justin Shivak, Connor Brown, Trevor Shivak, Jaycie Bradshaw, Cory Brown, Jordan Brown, Brendan Manahan, Jannah Brown, Dylan Brown and Max Brown; and his two great-grandchildren: Evelyn Bradshaw and Braden Pearce. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother James.

            Friends will be received Thursday, October 25, 2018 from 6-9:00 p.m. at Freck Funeral Chapel, 1155 South Wynn Road, Oregon (419-693-9304). A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, October 26, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. with a private burial following. Memorial contributions may be made in Jerry’s name to the American Eagle Foundation.

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