Harlan Coy Brown

Harlan Coy Brown, 67, of Lyons, Kansas, passed away July 10, 2024, at his home. He was born March 28, 1957, in Lyons, the son of Charles and Betty (Dellinger) Brown. Harlan was a lifelong Lyons resident. He graduated from Lyons High School with the class of 1975 and received his degree in Criminal Justice from Barton County Community College in 1977. Harlan worked for the Lyons Police department from 1977 until 1978. In 1978, he was appointed undersheriff for Rice County and served until 2010. At the time of his retirement, he was the longest running undersheriff in the State of Kansas. Harlan transported inmates for Rice County, worked as a detention officer in the Rice County Jail, and later worked at Culligan in Lyons for six years. Harlan ran in the Torch Run for the Special Olympics every year and was in charge of organizing runners in Rice County. He was a member of the Rice County Fire Department from 1979 until 2007. Harlan loved his German Shepherds, enjoyed working out, riding motorcycles, boating and being on the lake, and most of all spending time with his family, especially his grandkids. On October 27, 1979, Harlan was united in marriage with Melinda Wilbur in Lyons. He is survived by his wife, Melinda Brown of Lyons, KS; mother, Betty Brown of Lyons, KS; three children, Dustin Brown and wife Melodie of Goddard, KS, Shane Brown and wife Ashley of Olathe, KS, and Jessica Behnke and husband Jacob of McPherson, KS; two sisters, Barb Clark and husband Darin of Lyons, KS, and Janet Brown of Lyons, KS; four grandchildren, Jhordan, Jhaidyn, Kaljan, and Parker; mother and father-in-law, Marie and Larry Wilbur of Lyons, KS; nephew, Jeremy Clark and wife Melanie and their children, Kennedy and Avery; and two grand dogs, Piper and Harvest. Harlan is preceded in death by his father, Charles Brown; infant sister; sister-in-law, Julia Wilbur. A private family service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be given to Hospice and HomeCare of Reno County or Friends of Animals Rice County in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons.

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