Our dearly loved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother passed away August 4, 2017, after bravely conquering or enduring multiple physical challenges during his last two decades.
Lionel was born December 5, 1931, in Logan, Utah, to Merl William and Emma Elmira Smith Brown. He had three older sisters and one younger brother who was born six months after their father passed away from damages inflicted in WWI. However, Lionel always spoke of a warm and loving home guided by his strong single mother.
Lionel enlisted in the Korean War in 1953, receiving several medals of Honor during his service. After the war, he continued his studies at Utah State University receiving a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree. While working for his degree he met his wife and partner Karin Maj-Britt Persson, a beautiful Swedish woman who had immigrated to the United States and converted to the LDS Church. Together they had five children and settled in Logan, NSL and eventually Sandy, Utah.
Working as a Landscape Architect, the State of Utah recognized Lionel for 31 years of service earning Chief of Planning at the Division of Parks and Recreation. He described his work as a great joy. Visitors within the State will enjoy his designs and efforts indefinitely using parks, golf courses, campgrounds, trails, beaches and marinas across the State from Bear Lake to Coral Pink Sand Dunes. After retirement, Maj-Britt introduced Lionel to Sweden, which he embraced with enthusiasm and a love for the country, as did all their family. Together they enjoyed traveling to other countries in Europe, So America and the good ole USA. The couple also served two LDS Missions including one 18-month inner city Mission and another at the Jordan River Temple Baptistry.
Survived by his wife of 60 years, Maj-Britt, his children Karen DeBirk (Larry), David Brown (Janine), Raye Isom (Ron), Greg Brown (Christy) and daughter Cristy Brown, 12 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Also survived by his sisters Barbara McKnight, Bonnie Young and brother Merl Brown (Bonnie). All loved him, enjoyed his sense of humor and especially, the twinkle in his eye.
Friends and family are invited to attend a viewing on Friday, August 11, 2017 at 9:30 am -10:30 am with funeral services at 11:00 am at the Union Park 4th Ward, 7500 South 700 East, Midvale, UT. Following the services there will be a graveside dedication with military honors at 3:00 pm at the Logan, Utah Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at
www.allenmortuaries.net