When L. Edward Brown, who was born in Preston, Idaho,
18 June 1937, was 14, he and his father were busy filling a coal hopper
one evening in Dubois, Idaho, where the family lived. His father stopped,
looked at Edward, and said, “I think I need to go home.” Once home, his
father put on a suit and waited. A few minutes later the phone rang. Edward’s
mother had been involved in a terrible auto accident.
“I remember that evening kneeling, pleading with
Father in Heaven to save my mother’s life,” recalls Elder Brown. His mother
did live, though impaired. From that time on, turning to Father in Heaven
became a pattern for his life.
Later, as a young man, his love for his Father in
Heaven deepened during his mission in Korea, which was then part of the
Northern Far East Mission. Later, at age 34, after marrying Carol Ewer
(3 August 1960 in the Logan Temple), the couple returned to Korea, along
with five young children (they eventually had eight), where Edward served
as mission president.
Teaching the gospel became Elder Brown’s career focus.
After graduating from Utah State University, he went to work for the Church
Educational System (CES). He earned both master’s and doctorate degrees
from the University of Kansas. During his 33 years with CES, he worked
first as a seminary teacher and institute director, then as area director
in eastern Idaho.
During his years in Pocatello, Idaho, he served as
bishop and as stake president. His civic roles have included Pocatello
mayor, city councilman, and representative for three terms in the Idaho
House of Representatives.
In 1995 Elder Brown was called as an Area Authority
in the North American Northwest Area. “I am grateful for that training,”
he explains. “I love the Savior. He is our hope—the hope of the world.” Then, only a year later he was called into The Second Quorum of the Seventy.
Having completed the term of his calling in a distinguished manner, Elder Brown was honorably released from the Second Quorum of the Seventy and given a vote of thanks by a grateful Church in General Conference assembled October 2002.