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Submitted: 4/12/21 • Approved: 4/13/21 • Last Updated: 8/5/22 • R408018-G0-S3
PFC Elver Brown
Son of W. R. and Cora Brown
Nov 04, 1918
Dec 27, 1944
PFC Elver J. Brown was born November 4, 1918, near the town then known as Ivanhoe, Oklahoma. He died on December 27, 1944, at the age of 26 years, one month and 23 days. He lived with his parents in the Ivanhoe community and received his grade school training at that school. At the age of 13 years he was converted in the Methodist Church, and in 1942 he united with the Church of Christ at Canyon, Texas.
Elver entered the Follett High School in the fall of 1931. He was small of stature, but his compelling interest in all forms of athletics overcame what he lacked in natural strength, and it carried him to the envious position of "star of the team" on many an occasion. Nature did not endow Elver with a massive body, but she did honor him with a skillful mind and a willing heart. Size was no handicap to him, but with a determination of mind and an application of skill he succeeded at every task. He was an excellent student, and although he was feared by his athletic opponents that he might dash for a touchdown on the very next play, at his desk, and at his work, he was a polite and as gentlemanly as any boy had attended any school. His radiant personality had a kind word and a friendly smile for all who came his way. Elver graduated from the Follett High School in the Spring of 1935.
Later he entered the West Texas State College at Canyon, Texas, where he studied another four years to prepare himself for the teaching and coaching of boys and girls. He graduated from college in the Spring of 1942.
After leaving College, he was elected to a position in Quail, Texas as Principal of the grade school, athletic director of the system, and coach of the girls' basketball team. He served the school in this capacity through the school year 1942-'43.
On January 29, 1942, he was married to Miss Lillian Chambers, of Canyon, Texas. To this union was born a daughter, Bessie Jo, on December 1, 1944.
In 1943, the nation was at war, and his country called. Elver was ready to serve where he could, and he was inducted into army service, July 31, 1943 at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and took his basic training at Camp Wallace, Texas. Later he was sent to Camp Clairborne, Louisiana for final training in the States, and was sent overseas September 4, 1944. He served with the 334th Infantry and 84th Division of the 9th army. As a member of the second platoon of Company A, he served as a messenger and radio operator for the platoon commander.
On December 27th, 1944, his company was occupying positions east of Marche, Belguim, at Verdeme. It was in the "Battle of the Bulge," and one of the bitterest fought battles of the entire war. The enemy had counter atacked but they were repulsed, only to withdraw to take up a stronger position in which they could direct an intense artillery and mortar fire upon the second Platoon's position. It was during this severe barrage of shot that a shell struck near the position in which Elver was operating a radio, and he was killed instantly by a sharpnell. For his valor at the front, and utimately the supreme sacrifice, he received the Infantryman's Combat Badge, and the Purple Heart, posthumously.
Elver died in defense of his country. His memory is a sacred heritage to our country and it will linger with us forever. On this day we say with flowers, with music, and with poetry that we shall never forget. We rejoice in the spirit that guards so tenderly that memory. Let us always remember him as one who gave his life that our country might live. This day we are moved to gratitude for we reap the splendor of his achievement and enjoy the peace that follows the victory. There cannot be any real consolation of one so dear to us, but there is comfort in the firm belief that he has been committed to God's care, and that he mingles with the Angels in an everlasting life.
Those who survive his death are: His wife (now Mrs. L. R. Blevins) and daughter Bessie Jo, of Hereford, Texas; his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Brown of Follett; two brothers, Orval, of Woodward, Oklahoma, and Noble, of Follett, Texas; three sisters, Mrs. Ilene Crites, Higgins, Texas; Mrs. Maybelle Nosler, Logan, Oklahoma; Mrs. Wilma Nosler, Wichita, Kansas, and four nephews and five nieces, and many other friends and acquaintances.
Rev. E. B. Thompson of the Follett Methodist Church, assisted by Rev. Ralph Campbell, a former pastor of the Follett M. E. Church but now of Lefors, Texas, officiated the funeral services at the Follett High School Auditorium at 2:30 P.M. Sunday.
The Follett Legion Post No. 268 had charge of the Military Service.
Source: The Lipscomb Lime Light and Follett Times, Follett, Texas, Thursday, April 21, 1949.
Photo courtesy of Glen Love
grlove63@gmail.com
Contributed on 4/12/21 by paperdoll1913
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Record #: 408018