Andrew James Brown

Andrew James Brown passed away on Friday, February 17, 2017 at his home in Hays, Kansas at the age of 27. He was born on May 13, 1989 in Hays to Kenny and Tina (Knight) Brown. He grew up in Plainville, Kansas and graduated from Plainville High School with the Class of 2007. After graduation, he joined the United States Navy where he served as a Corpsman. Beginning with Basic Training in Chicago, then “A” School in California, he was deployed to Okinawa, the Philippines, and finally Afghanistan. When he returned home, Andrew soon began working as an Emergency Medical Technician with the Norton County Emergency Medical Services in Norton, Kansas. With a passion to help others, he recently enrolled in classes at Fort Hays State University, seeking a degree in Paramedic Emergency Medicine and Physical Therapy. As an animal lover and avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing golf and spending time with his dog, Husker. Andrew is survived by his parents Kenneth and Rhonda Brown of Zurich, and Tina and Todd Gilliland of Plainville; grandparents Bonnie Merklinger of Plainville, Alice Lytle of Stockton, and Mary Lou Gilliland of Plainville; siblings Rachel Gilliland of Plainville, Mary Gilliland of Plainville, Harrison Gilliland of Plainville, Erin Miller of Stockton, Jesica Kerr and husband Dan of Stockton, Gabe Miller and wife Jessica of Kimball, NE; aunts and uncles Melissa Collins of Woodston, Phil and Brenda Gilliland of Concordia, and Drew and Collette Gilliland of Gold Hill, OR. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Bob Merklinger, Kenneth and Viola Brown, and Ron Gilliland; uncle Scott Knight; and sister Leslie Brown. As a Navy Corpsman, Andrew was no stranger to faith, honor, and courage. His commitment to take care of the sick and injured was a sacred trust, to which he fully dedicated his heart, mind, and strength. He answered duty’s call, and although his assignment has been completed too soon, he will remain our hero forever. Funeral services will be held at 10:30am on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at the United Methodist Church in Plainville. Burial will follow in the Plainville City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00-8:00pm on Monday at the funeral home.