Rex Shannon Brown, 78, of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, died with his family at his side, on Friday, Aug. 1, 2014, at Prairie Manor Care Center. Although Cedar Rapids is where he knew and loved to be, he spent the last five years of his life with his children and grandchildren in Blooming Prairie. Rex was born March 11, 1936, in Toddville, Iowa, the son of Fred and Samantha (Bowers) Brown.  On Sept. 1, 1962, he married Judy Kay Sawyer in Claremont, Minnesota. Rex served with the United States Army in the 78th Transportation Company from Oct. 21, 1958, until his discharge from the reserves on Oct. 20, 1964. While living in Iowa, Rex was employed by Brown & Dyer Inc., a concrete contracting company and later for Ogden & Adams Lumber yard, retiring after 21 years of service. He served as a volunteer fireman for the Hiawatha, Iowa, Fire Department and enjoyed hunting and fishing. His family and friends will remember him for his ability to fix almost anything.

Survivors include his wife, Judy Brown of Blooming Prairie (formerly of Cedar Rapids); two sons, Shawn (Heidi) Brown and Jared (Deb) Brown all of Blooming Prairie; fourteen grandchildren, Brandon, Chessa, Kayla, Cameron, Skyler, Ashley, Jaydon, Bailey, Mason, Lauren, Veronica, Makenna, Sarah, Peyton and one more due in December; a sister-in-law, Charlotte Brown of Toddville, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Kenny.

A Memorial Prayer Service will be held at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2014, at the Worlein-Blooming Prairie Funeral Home with Father Steven Peterson officiating. A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be at 10 a.m., Friday, Aug. 8, 2014, at Cedar Memorial Cemetery in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with Pastor Mark Lofquist officiating, and military honors by the American Legion Post No. 298 of Marion, Iowa. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.