Ronnie Lance Brown

Ronald “Ron” Lance Brown, 83, of Buhl, passed away June 24, 2024. He was born to Clifford and Pearl Brown on September 6, 1940. He moved to Idaho from Indio, California, in 1943. Ron’s parents farmed in the Wendell area until 1950. During that time, Ron attended West Point School and in 1950, the family moved to Buhl where he and his siblings attended Deep Creek School and Buhl High School. Ron was the second oldest of three boys, Roger, Ron, and Roy, and they had one sister, Bunny. After graduating from Buhl High School in May 1958, Ron joined the National Guard for 6 months. He then returned to Buhl where he was employed for many years by Farmers National Bank.

In 1960, Ron married Wanda Day. They had one son, Terry, and two daughters, Rhonda and Debra. They divorced in 1964.

Ron was a gifted athlete. From 1956 to 1967, he played on the Faux Cigar Store Fast Pitch ball team. He was the pivotal player, the Pitcher! His speed and accuracy were feared by batters near and far. The team won many games and tournaments and was renowned throughout the state of Idaho. To this day, stories are still told of his athletic prowess!

Ron married Louise King on May 7, 1966. They met while both were employed at Farmers National Bank. She brought to the union two sons, Brad and Chris. In 1972, they decided to leave Buhl and move to Caldwell, Idaho, and then on to Yakima, Washington, where Ron worked with the Farm Credit Services. They loved their home and life in Yakima. They both became golfers, and some would describe Ron as becoming an avid golfer. They made many friends at the Yakima Country Club and they enjoyed extending those friendships to include many wonderful parties and dinners in their home.

In 1978, Ron had the opportunity to return to Buhl. Soon after his return as the President of Farmers National Bank, an article in Money Magazine recognized Farmers Bank as the strongest bank in Idaho.

Ron and Louise built a home across the river from Clear Lake Country Club, followed later by the construction of two townhomes along the edge of the golf course. As had been the pattern of their life in Yakima, Ron soon became known as a Host Extraordinaire and Master Chef. He enjoyed the comradery of his card-playing and golfing buddies, and cherished their special friendships. Ron and Louise’s patio (overlooking seven golf course greens plus a spectacular view of the river), was a favorite gathering place for everyone who knew them. Ron retired as President of the bank on December 31, 2004, but had many more happy years enjoying his favorite spot on earth!

Those who knew Ron best would include in his story a note of admiration for the remarkable devotion and care he gave to Louise the last 10 years of her life. As her health declined, Ron was at her side every step of the way and provided physical and emotional support and always, ALWAYS enduring love.

Ron was preceded in death by his wife, Louise; parents, Cliff and Pearl Brown; brother, Roy; and sister, Bunny.

He is survived by his brother, Roger (Darleen) Brown and their children, Tim (Tonia) Brown, Saun Brown, and Melissa (Pete) Johnson; son, Terry Brown and his children, Joe (Kelly) Brown and Justin Brown; daughter, Rhonda Herman and her children, Amanda (Vashawn) Janovich, Jennifer Cade, and Ashley (Noah) Cobler; daughter, Debbie (Craig) Slack and her children, Erik (Jannalyn) Slack and Alex Slack; stepson, Chris (Karolyn “Kari”) King and their daughter, Amy; stepson, Brad (Beth) King and their children, Carl King, Nate (Janna) Wells; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Farmer Funeral Chapel, 130 9th Ave N, Buhl.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Ron’s memorial webpage at www.farmerfuneralchapel.com.