OBITUARY FOR CHARLES "MIKE" BROWNING
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Charles Lester "Mike" Browning died Sept. 6, 2008, at Good Samaritan Village in St. Francis.
He was born Feb. 26, 1918, one of 12 children born to John and Lucinda Browning in Palisade, Neb. At a young age, he was nicknamed "Mike" by his brothers and sisters, a name that stuck with him all his life.
He grew up in many areas. He often told stories about the way his parents moved the family in a covered wagon to go where the work was. He rememberd riding in a covered wagon, and, he said, when he and his brother Chet grew tired of riding, they would walk alongside the wagon for a while.
In the early 1930s, he came to St. Francis.
He married Alberta Ruth Wolbach of St. Francis on Dec. 12, 1938, in Atwood. They had three daughters, Charlene Meyer, Diana Grantham and Karen Jensen. Karen died in 1999.
He worked for a short time as a hired hand in the St. Francis area before he began driving truck. He first drove for Airline Express, then drove his own truck for IML. He last drove for Consolidated Freightways, retiring from there in 1979. He loved driving, and years later would say that he regretted his retirement.
All his life, Mike was a storyteller and a jokester. He loved to tease his grandchildren and teach them funny songs. "I wear a size 2 1/2 shoe," he'd say. "Two cowhides and 1/2 a keg of nails." Or he might sing, "Oh say can you see" to the tune of "Star Spangeled Banner." But this one would end, "Any bed bugs on me?"
He and Albert loved a good country western song and played guitar and sang for many a family get together and sing along. He was a man of few words, usually speaking only when necessary. However, he often sang around the house and must have known the words to a thousand songs. He and Alberta lived in St. Francis all their married lives except for a summer in Phillipsburg. Alberta died on July 12, 2003.
He was a master craftsman with rock projects and wood.
He loved a good homemade meal and was especially fond of fried potatoes, even when doctors said he shouldn't eat fried foods. He was especially fond of ice crem, chocolate cake and candy bars.
He will be remembered for being a proud man who worked hard and made sure his family always had enough. When he drove truck, he kept his log books -- as well as his appearance -- meticulous. In a time when 'good enough' was fine for others, it was unacceptable to him. He wore blue jeans that had to be ironed just so with a crease down the middle, a pressed western shirt, black dress socks and shoes he shined almost constantly.
He saw the loss of his parents, many brothers and sisters, his daughter and his wife. He had not been happy since Alberta died in 2003. Often he would say, "I just had a terrible time letting loose of her." It was clear that he never did. Now, they surely are together again, playing guitar, singing and dancing. They are telling stories and laughing. Undoubtedly, he's keeping the children of heaven entertained.
He is survived by his daughters, Charlene (David) Meyer of St. Francis and Diana (Dean) Grantham of Grand Island, Neb.; one sister, Doris (Norris) Anderson of St. Francis; two brothers, Bud (Carol) Browning of Aurora, Colo., and Don (Alice) Browning of St. Francis; eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Alberta, on July 12, 2003; his daughter, Karen, on Dec. 11, 1999; brothers and sister and his parents.