Sheldy Browning
BROWNING Sheldy, June 19, 1917 - October 4, 2008, age 91, at Menorah Medical Center Overland Park, Kan. His brief time at Menorah was prompted by an aortic aneurysm. Sheldy was born at St. Mary's Hospital, KCMO, the only child of Ernest and Golden Browning. He attended South Park Elementary School. He graduated from Shawnee Mission Rural High School (SM North). He attended and graduated from Baker University, Baldwin City, Kan., on a music scholarship, with a degree in Business. Sheldy and Lola (Tonelli) Browning were married April 18, 1943, in Santa Barbara, Calif. Soon after Lola and Sheldy married, he left to finish tank training at Fort Ord and Fort Knox and from there directly to Great Britain and then, in July 1944, France. Captain Browning led his 6th Armored Division (General Patton's 'Super 6th') Tank Company across France and Germany for nearly one year-until VE day in 1945. As one of Patton's forward recon tank unit commanders, he captured over a thousand enemy soldiers and engaged and won numerous tank battles. Sheldy received a Silver Star (with 5 battle stars), the Bronze Star, the French Croix de Guerre, and numerous other meritorious awards. After VE day, Sheldy met with General Patton for a personal debriefing; Patton was writing a book about action in the European Theater of Operations, interviewing his Unit Commanders. Later Sheldy was presented his silver star by the General. Upon return from six years military service, Sheldy began his 42 year career with Sears, Roebuck, and Company. During the last part of his distinguished career at Sears, he managed the East Bottoms Distributions Center, Kansas City. He was well liked by the people he led during his career. Sheldy met his wife of 65 years, Lola (a Chicago native), in 1943. They took care of each other and dedicated their 65 years to marriage and family. Sheldy was a long time member of the 'First Raitters' Sunday School Group, Old Mission Methodist Church. Sheldy is also survived by three children, Catherine Magness and spouse Robert, Stilwell, Kan., Roger Browning, Mission, Kan., and Keith Browning and spouse Theresa, Baldwin City, Kan. Sheldy's two grandsons are Joe Magness and spouse Courtney, Orem, Utah, and Pat Magness and spouse Jan, Overland Park. Sheldy is survived by six great grandchildren, Hayden, Skylar, Sailor, Boston and Brighton of Orem, and Peyton of Overland Park. Sheldy loved the outdoors, especially fishing, and boating. He would load up his young family, hook up the trailer, and drive all night to the Rockies for a weekend of camping and fishing. Sheldy was a weekend fixture at the Ozarks for many years. He logged uncountable hours pulling skiers and playing games with his family at the Lake. Sheldy and Lola moved to Peoria, Ariz., after retirement and spent nearly 12 years there. He enjoyed his time living in the desert near Phoenix and entertained family and many friends during this golden period of his life. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was known to advise many "Just don't get old." Visitation 2 p.m. with memorial service at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, at D.W. Newcomer's Chapel, 11200 Metcalf. Cremation. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Sheldy's name to a charity of your choice.
