Charles Winston (C.W.) Brown, born on June 15, 1932, in Rushville, Nebraska, was a dedicated rancher, soldier, and true cowboy. Raised on his family’s ranch, he developed a deep love for ranch life, working summers and participating in local rodeo and baseball events. After high school, he attended the New Mexico Military Institute, where he joined the rodeo club and began honing his announcing skills. C.W. later joined the Army, rising to the rank of Lieutenant and earning the nickname “Cowboy General” for his rodeo involvement with troops stationed abroad.
C.W. married Sherry Church in 1958, and they had two children, Stephen and Christi. His military career took him around the world, including France, Germany, Vietnam, and Korea, where he earned numerous commendations, such as the Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, and Distinguished Service Medal. Despite his global experiences, his heart always remained tied to his family’s ranch in Nebraska’s Sandhills.
After retiring from the military, C.W. fulfilled his dream of running the ranch, receiving the AK-SAR-BEN 100-year award for keeping it in the family. He restored the original log cabin built by his grandfather and focused on improving his cattle herd. Known for his determination and intelligence, he cherished his time on the ranch, often watching the sunsets over the meadows.
C.W. passed away at 74, shortly after a leukemia diagnosis, leaving a legacy as a respected military leader and a cherished figure in the Sandhills community. He was buried in the Rushville Fairview Cemetery, fulfilling his wish to rest in his beloved homeland.
