Richard “Richie” Neil Brown, 37, died December 21, 2009 in Johnston, Iowa.

Richard was born in Thailand; he came to America when he was 4 years old. He was raised on the East side of Des Moines, where he lived for most of his life. He later moved to the Westside of Des Moines with his loving wife Tiffany, and daughter Paxton.

Rich loved sports and played football and baseball all through his high school years for the East High Scarlets where he graduated in 1990. If you had the pleasure of ever meeting Rich you would know he was the best husband and father a wife and daughter could ever ask for. He also was the best friend anybody could have. He loved his family and friends and always put them first. Rich touched the lives of everybody he ever met. He never took shortcuts in life he always did the right thing no matter how hard it was. He was a hard worker and never missed a day of work no matter how bad his baseball injuries were. His favorite pastime was playing ball with his daughter Paxton and grilling with family and friends in the backyard. Rich was a very competitive person and if you ever beat him at any challenge he would practice until he mastered the challenge to make sure he won the next time. He loved movies, music, cars, and sports. He will always be remembered and truly missed.

He is survived by his wife Tiffany: daughter, Paxton; father, Ken Harvey Jr. (Carol Knotts); sister, Boo (Kevin) Anderson; brother, Don (Teresa) Harvey; aunt, Oiy “Tina” Brown; and dog, Hondo.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Nee Harvey; and grandparents Ken Sr. and Gertrude Harvey.

A visitation will be held Sunday, December 27, 2009 from 5-7 PM at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. A memorial service will be held Monday, December 28, 2009 at 11:00 AM at the funeral home with private burial to follow at Laurel Hill Cemetery.