Kenneth T. Brown

HAMILTON -  Kenneth T. Brown, Jr. passed away on September 16, 2021 at the West HIlls Assisted Living after his body was just too tired to fight back after an emergency surgery. He was a man of strong faith and we find comfort in knowing he is with our Lord.

Ken was born on Nov. 4, 1929 in Dryden, NY to Libbie and Kenneth T Brown, Sr. He was blessed with a younger sister, Carleen Brown Skawski. He graduated from Dryden High School in 1947 where he played soccer and was a standout baseball pitcher. He played on a semi-pro baseball team that took 2nd in the national championship. Ken enlisted in the army in 1948, served in Korea, and was the recipient of two purple hearts. After his discharge in 1950, he enrolled in the business college at Ithaca College. Due to injuries from the Korean War he was unable to play baseball but participated in college soccer. He graduated in 1955.

Ken began his career working for the US Treasury Dept, which later became the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. While serving with the Bureau in 1957 he was involved in breaking up the “Apalachin Meeting” which resulted in the arrest of 58+ involved with the mafia.  His achievements led to him being named the chief of the organized crime division for the FBI.  He later had the privilege of shaking the hand of President John F. Kennedy. He retired from the FBI in 1968. From there he became a private investigator for the prosecuting attorney for Wayne County, Detroit, MI until 1972. After this, he worked for Harness Tracks and later US Trotting Assoc. He officially retired Jan. 1, 1995.

Due to Ken’s military service, he was very involved in blood drives. He was instrumental in starting blood drives in many communities. He was recently recognized by the Red Cross for donating 28 gallons over his lifetime. He was invited every year to speak to the elementary students on Veterans Day. He had so much knowledge and wonderful stories.

Ken’s first marriage in 1953 was to June Vining which resulted in four children Nancy, Kenny, Cheryl, and Marlene. Their marriage later ended in divorce.

Ken met Billie Eitel, from Hamilton, MT, while she was visiting her sister in Columbus, OH.  They married in 1992 and after his retirement moved to Hamilton. Ken loved Montana and considered it his home. He loved the mountains, hunting, and beauty. Ken served as a Police Commissioner up to the time of his passing. He was involved in many local organizations including Veteran groups, church, FW&P, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Red Cross Blood Drives.

Ken was a true patriot, he never passed a flag without saluting. He attended the University of Montana Griz football games until cold weather and climbing steps became too much. But he continued to cheer them on from in front of his TV. He was a super-fan of the Hamilton Broncs and attended all home and most away games following his grandkids Casey and Lacey’s high school athletic careers. He continued to support the Broncs even after their graduations. For a period, Ken was in charge of reloading the small cannon that was fired after scoring touchdowns.

He met many great friends and acquaintances over the years and was highly respected. His smile could light up a room and warm your heart.  After Billie’s passing in 2011, Ken was fortunate to find love again. He and his girlfriend, Monica Ephrom, were blessed to have had 6 years together. Monica, we can’t thank you enough for the love, companionship and joy you brought to Ken in his final years.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, wife Billie, brother-in-law John Skawski, niece Susan Skawski and son-in-law Ed Munson. He is survived by stepson and wife Rusty and Patty Eitel of Hamilton; Special lady Monica Ephrom; Stepdaughter and husband Judy (Jim) Fitz of AZ; Children Nancy (Rick) Burke in MI; Kenny in NC; Cheryl (Dan) Roof in MI; Marlene Munson in MI; Sister Carleen Skawski in FL; nephew John Skawski; 9 grand and 15 great-grandchildren.

We would like to express our gratitude to Dr. Luke Channer, staff at Marcus Daly Hospital, and the special angel that God put in his life, Ali at West Hills Assisted Living.

Ken was very generous and gave to many worthwhile causes. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation, in Ken’s name, to the cause of your choice.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Oct. 8 at Daly Leach Memorial Chapel at 11 a.m. Graveside services will be held at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Missoula at a later date.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com. 

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