Community mourns loss of longtime educator, community leader |

Saturday Proclaimed “Roger G. Brown Day” in Lewis County

The Lewis County community is mourning the loss of a beloved educator, coach, and civic leader. Roger G. Brown, a lifelong resident of Vanceburg and a pillar of service in the region, passed away peacefully Monday, July 7, 2025, at Southern Ohio Medical Hospice Center in Portsmouth, Ohio. He was 77.

Brown’s impact on Lewis County spanned decades, with a career dedicated to public education, youth sports, and community service through the Vanceburg Lions Club. In recognition of his legacy, Lewis County Judge Executive George Sparks has officially proclaimed this Saturday, July 12, as “Roger G. Brown Day.”

Born April 24, 1948, in Vanceburg, Roger was the son of the late Bertram H. and Juanita Edington Brown. He graduated from Lewis County High School in 1966, then went on to play basketball on scholarship at Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas. He later earned his Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Morehead State University and returned home to begin a 27-year teaching and coaching career.

Brown was widely known for his dedication to youth sports, coaching football, basketball, and baseball throughout his career. His former players often credit him with shaping their character as much as their athletic ability. He also earned a reputation as an accomplished softball player and a steady presence in local athletic circles. Off the field, he enjoyed raising gardens—particularly taking pride in his tomato plants—and spending time outdoors with friends at trap shoots.

His commitment to service was perhaps most visible through his work with the Lions Club. Brown served multiple terms as President of the Vanceburg Lions Club and held district-level leadership positions, including Zone Chair, Region Chair, Deputy District Governor, and District Governor for Lions Club District 43Y from 1990 to 1991. He was deeply involved in charitable initiatives and played a key role in sustaining the local club through difficult periods.

“Roger was the glue that held things together,” said Vanceburg Lions Club Member Bill Tom Stone. “He led with humility and purpose, always showing up for his community.”

Brown’s influence stretched beyond the classroom and civic life. His legacy is reflected in the many lives he mentored, coached, and encouraged along the way.

Survivors include his son, Jeremy (Rachel) Fraley of Greenfield, Ohio; grandson, Hudson Fraley; granddaughter, Mia Fraley; double cousins, Mike (Rachel) Edington of Vanceburg and Rick (Pam) Edington of Elida, Ohio; cousin, Ann Hurst of Sterling, Virginia; and Jeanna (Bill) Melton and their children, Bubby and Emily, of Vanceburg.

Services for Roger G. Brown will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Gaydos Funeral Home with Pastor Tom Cox Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Lewis County Memory Gardens at Black Oak.

Visitation will be after 10:00 a.m. Saturday at Gaydos Funeral Home, 159 Second Street, Vanceburg.

Pallbearers will be Steve Hedleston, Bill Tom Stone, Benjamin Brown, Austin Rucker, David Lucas, Sammy Holder, and Nate Stone.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vanceburg Lions Club, PO Box 205, Vanceburg, KY 41179.

Gaydos Funeral Home at Vanceburg is caring for arrangements.

Condolences may be sent at www.gaydosfh.com.

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PROCLAMATION

IN HONOR AND MEMORY OF ROGER G. BROWN

BY THE LEWIS COUNTY JUDGE EXECUTIVE

WHEREAS, the citizens of Lewis County mourn the loss and celebrate the life of Roger G. Brown, a lifelong resident of Vanceburg who passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the age of 77; and

WHEREAS, Roger Brown was born in Vanceburg on April 24, 1948, to the late Bertram H. and Juanita Edington Brown, and dedicated his life to the service of others through education, athletics, and civic leadership; and

WHEREAS, Roger was a proud 1966 graduate of Lewis County High School and a collegiate athlete at Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas, where he played basketball on scholarship before returning home to earn his Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Morehead State University; and

WHEREAS, Roger Brown served as a beloved teacher in Lewis County for 27 years, inspiring generations of students and athletes through his work in the classroom and on the playing field, coaching football, basketball, and baseball; and

WHEREAS, Roger’s impact extended far beyond the school and ball field. He was an active outdoorsman who enjoyed gardening—especially growing his renowned tomato plants—and he found joy and camaraderie through the sport of trap shooting; and

WHEREAS, Roger devoted much of his life to the mission of the Lions Club, serving faithfully for decades as a lifelong member, local president on multiple occasions, District Governor for Lions Club District 43Y (1990–1991), Deputy District Governor (1989–1990), Region Chair (1988–1989), and Zone Chair (1987–1988). He was the glue that held the Vanceburg Lions Club together during times of challenge, and his leadership lifted countless community causes and charitable efforts; and

WHEREAS, Roger most recently completed a term as President of the Vanceburg Lions Club and continued to serve as a mentor and pillar of the organization until his passing; and

WHEREAS, Roger Brown was known throughout the county as a man of kindness, humility, service, and strength, who led by example and left a lasting legacy in the lives of all who knew him;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, George Sparks, Lewis County Judge Executive, do hereby proclaim:

Saturday, July 12, 2025, as “Roger G. Brown Day” in Lewis County

In honor of his lifetime of service, his dedication to education and athletics, his leadership in civic life, and his immeasurable contributions to our community. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends and encourage all citizens to remember and celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of Roger G. Brown.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of Lewis County to be affixed.

George Sparks

Lewis County Judge Executive