Obituary of Joe Edd Brown

Joe Edd Brown, 91, of Lovington, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2025 He was born on June 4, 1933, in Wayland, Texas, and spent most of his life in New Mexico. Joe graduated from Clayton High School in 1951 before attending New Mexico State University from 1951 to 1953. His education was briefly interrupted when he joined the Army during the Korean War, serving primarily in Germany until 1957. After returning home, Joe resumed his studies at New Mexico State University, earning a degree in economics and a minor in accounting in 1958. A dedicated and hardworking individual, Joe built a life centered around family, community, and service. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren and great-grandson. Joe is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Wanda Ruth Brown, and their two children: Robert Brown and wife Suzie Pomeroy Brown of Farwell, Texas; and Kay Brown Keefer and husband Dr. Chris Keefer of Iola, Texas. He is also survived by two grandchildren: Emily Morgan Pearson and husband Paul Pearson, and their son Reid Elliot Pearson of Princeton, Texas; and First Lieutenant Hayden Robert Brown and wife Mattie Brown of Washington, D.C., along with nephew Jay Brown and his wife Kay, and niece Jill Yoon and her husband Song. Joe's love for family was evident in the joy he found in family gatherings. He was famous for his signature smoked brisket, which he loved preparing for friends and family. Joe was a long-time member of Lovington Chapter #35 of the Order of the Eastern Star, where he served as Worthy Patron numerous times, and the Lovington Masonic Lodge #46, where he was a past Worshipful Master. He was also active in Scottish Rites in Lovington, NM, and was a long-time member of the First Methodist Church in Lovington. A memorial service to honor Joe's life will be held on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at the First Methodist Church, located at 407 Main Street in Lovington, New Mexico. The service will begin at 2:30 PM and will be officiated by Pastor Robert Gasman. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude's Children Hospital or Shriner's Hospital. Services under the direction of Kirby-Ratliff Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to www.kirbysmithrogers.com