from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Raymond E. ‘Ray’ Brown, 81, of Otsego, Mich., died May 11, 2013, at his home.

Mr. Brown was born April 12, 1932, in Watson Twp., Allegan County, the son of Leonard and Hazel (Van Houten) Brown.

He had worked as a veterinarian assistant for Town & Country Veterinarian Clinic in Allegan, retiring in 2004. He also trained Standardbreds and working with horses was a passion.

He was a member of the U.S. Trotting Association and Michigan Harness Horse Association.

Mr. Brown enjoyed the outdoors, feeding birds, hunting, flower gardening and his dog, Maggie.

On Dec. 7, 1951, he married the former Marilynn Lacey, who survives. Also surviving are their children, Raymond (Charlene), Leonard (Terri), Edward (Penny), Cindy (Dennis) Burnham, Wendy Evans and Robert (Stephanie); 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; siblings, Joyce (Al) Kolbeck, June McEwen, Neva Wallace and Helen Wallace; sister-in-law, Jean; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Bethel Parker; brother, Bernard; sister, Jean Blair; and son-in-law, Michael Evans.

Friends may meet with the family on Thursday (May 16) from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego, where services will be held Friday (May 17) at 11 a.m., Rev. James Collison officiating. Interment at Hicks Cemetery, Watson Twp.

Memorial contributions may be made to At the Masters Feet/Grief Share or Reverence Home Health and Hospice.

Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.