Alfred J. Brown

Alfred J. "Jack" Brown, 89, formerly of Owensboro passed away Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at the Veterans Medical Center in Lexington. Born September 26, 1920 in Jeffersonville, IN, he was the son of the late Christopher Owen and Blanche Brown. Jack was the co-owner and operator of the Gem Caf with his wife, Marie Pate Brown for over 35 years. When he first started the Caf, Jack didn't even know how to cook yet became known for his home-style cooking, fresh brewed coffee and his clever sense of humor. Together, Jack and Marie were avid bowlers and won several team tournaments. Mr. Brown was a Navy veteran of World War II serving in the South Pacific and was a member of the VFW. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Velva Marie Pate Brown in 2004; a sister, Charlotte Hopkins, and brothers, Ernest Brown, Christopher Brown, Ralph Brown and Fred Brown.

Surviving are daughters, Linda Garrett and Donna Marino of Richmond, KY and Janet Brown of Lynchburg, VA; a granddaughter, Teresa (and Michael) Beck of Richmond; a great-grandson, Sam Beck of Richmond; a sister, Helen Winchester of Madisonville; and several nieces and nephews, including Dewey and Vivian Brown of Beaver Dam.

Services in Owensboro are 2 p.m. Friday, July 16, 2010 in the Chapel of Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory with burial following in Owensboro Memorial Gardens where military honors will be rendered by VFW Post 696. Visitation will be 1 p.m. until service time at the funeral home.

There will be a memorial service 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 17, 2010 at the North East Christian Church, 990 Star Shoot Parkway, Lexington, KY 40509


The family would like to extend their gratitude to the nurses and staff at the Thompson Hood Veterans Center, Eisenhower Unit, Wilmore, and the VA Medical Center, Lexington, for their compassionate care.

Online condolences may be left at www.glennfuneralhome.com.