Gerald Richard Brown, 86, died unexpectedly, Friday April 9, 2021 at Grant Hospital Trauma Center in Columbus, Ohio.   Richard was born August 30, 1934 in Gallia County, Ohio to Herbert and Laura (Allbright) Brown.  He graduated from Gallia Academy High School in 1952.  He married Ann Hardway at Grace United Methodist Church on November 14, 1954.  After their wedding Richard served 2 years in the United States Army.  Upon returning home Richard attended Rio Grande College for 2 years.  In 1959 he started working at Capital Financial Services in Gallipolis.  After 17 years with Capital he started working at Buckeye Building and Loan Company where he later became bank manager.  After continuing as manager through 2 different mergers, Richard retired in January of 1997 from WesBanco.  Richard also served as a Gallipolis City Commissioner from January 1986 to December to 1989.

Richard was a member of the Gallipolis Lions Club for 56 years, serving as the 18 ^th President from 1973 to 1974.  He received the Melvin Jones Award which is the Lions Club's highest honor in 2006.  Richard was a very active member of Grace United Methodist Church for over sixty years.  At Grace Church, he served as an usher, was on a number of committees, and participated in bible study groups.  Richard was also a member of the local VFW and the Gallia County Genealogical Society.

Richard is survived by his wife of 66 years Ann (Hardway) Brown; 2 daughters Sandy Bledsoe and Cindy Fellure; 2 grandchildren Amber Fellure and Travis (Stacy) Fellure; 5 great-grandchildren Emmy, Clint, Tucker, Boone, Everett; sisters-in-law Eleanor Brown, Karen Black, and Jane Geiger; as well as several nieces, nephews, and many friends who will all miss him.

Richard was preceded in death by both his parents, his brother Carroll Brown, and brother-in-law Mike Hardway.

Funeral services will be at 11:00A.M. Thursday April 15, 2021 at Grace United Methodist Church with Rev. Ray Kane officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Street Cemetery.  Friends may call at the Church on Wednesday from 5 to 7P.M.  Military Funeral Honors will be presented at the cemetery by the VFW #4464 Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Richard's memory to the Grace United Methodist Church's Outreach Program 600 2 ^nd . Ave. Gallipolis, OH 45631

An online guest registry is available at waugh-halley-wood.com