Charles Truman Brownlow's Obituary
Charles Truman Brownlow of Fairbanks, Alaska passed away Sunday, September 4, 2011. He had lived in Alaska for thirty-one years with his present wife Joyce to whom he had been married for thirty-eight years.
A funeral service is slated for 10:00 A.M. Friday, September 16th at the Christian Church of St. Helens, 185 South 12th St. Committal & vault interment at Bethany Memorial Cemetery. Memorial gifts to Relay for Life are suggested. He was loved and will be missed greatly.
Charles also known as Chuck and sometimes "Charlie Brown" was born May 31st, 1935 in St. Helens, Oregon. He attended school at John Gumm Grade School and the old St. Helens High School--- the site of the present Lewis & Clark Elementary.
After-school activities included membership in the Cub and Boy Scout programs and youth activities at the Christian Church. During high school years he worked at the Sentinel-Mist, the newspaper owned by his father, Alexander T. Brownlow, his mother, L. Berenice Brownlow and their business partner, Jessica L. Longston. Since journalism and community interests often go hand in hand, Charles not only became involved in local service organizations but was a volunteer fireman. Sometimes he was privileged to also accompany police officers in order to "scoop" a story for the paper.
After high school graduation in 1953 he attended University of Oregon and several years later, the University of Kentucky. By this time his interest leaned toward radio and radio announcing which fit perfectly into managing and announcing for the new Radio KOHI which his mother and business partner were starting in St. Helens. This, during the 1960's and early 1970's led to other business affiliations with newspaper, radio and television in several northwestern states. And then, when the opportunity arose to manage a TV station in Fairbanks, he moved there.
He was a life member of the Elks Lodge #1999 here in St. Helens and then of the Elks Lodge #1551 in Fairbanks where he served as Alaska State President of Elks. At the time of his death he was Alaska State Scholarship Chairman for them.
He is survived by his wife Joyce of Fairbanks and a sister Kathleen Ward of St. Helens.
Also locally, are his adult children: Ron Brownlow and Susan; Darla Morley and Arnold; and C.T. Brownlow and Laurie in addition to four adult step-children: Randy, Karen, David and Linda. He had twenty-six grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two grandsons: Steven Charles Brownlow and Thomas James Brownlow.
On-line condolences can be made to the family at: www.columbiafh.com
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