Wesley “Possum” Brown, a devoted family man, veteran, rancher, and community servant, passed away on August 21, 2026, in Raton, New Mexico. He was born on May 2, 1931, in Roswell, New Mexico, to Wesley Green Brown and Iva Fay Coleman Brown.
Wesley married Betty on June 8, 1952, and together they shared 74 years of marriage, building a life centered on family, hard work, and service to their community.
In 1952, Wesley enlisted in the United States Army. He trained at Camp Roberts in California and later served in Georgia, completing his enlistment in 1954.
On July 4, 1948, Wesley began working at the T.O. Ranch, where he remained until February 15, 1964. From 1964 to 1970, he worked at several other ranches before returning to Raton. In 1971, Wesley began working at the Boys School in Springer, New Mexico. He started as a correctional officer, later moved to the farm where he helped raise cattle, and eventually worked in the office until 1993.
Wesley was a lifelong member of the Elks, joining on June 25, 1980. He was also a dedicated member of the Lions Club beginning January 1, 1973. His commitment to public service included serving on the Raton City Commission and the Arkansas River Power Authority Board. During his service on the ARPA Board, he helped make the construction of the power plant possible.
Wesley always had a story to tell, especially about his time at the T.O. Ranch and his family’s history. His stories, wisdom, humor, and love for his family will be treasured by all who knew him.
Wesley was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley Green Brown and Iva Fay Coleman Brown; his infant children, John Wesley Brown and Debra Lynn Brown; his sons, David Brown and Walter Brown; his grandchildren, Keith Brown, Cole Brown and Ernie Brown; his great-grandchild, Quinn Ace Brown; and his siblings, Grisham, Virginia, Catherine, Jerry, and Lee “Booger” Brown.
He is survived by his wife, Betty Brown; his son, Wesley Brown and wife Theo; and his grandchildren, Warren Brown and partner Jennie Gates, John Brown and wife Lynda, Dakota Brown and wife Kayla, Cheyenne Brown and partner Ray Tafoya, Conagher Brown and partner Alejandra Murcia, Jason Brown and wife Joelle, Kevin Brown and partner Jesse, and Clint Brown and partner Cass.
He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Ivy Rain Brown, Orrin Brown, Abigail Brown, and Jessica Brown, Lee Brown, and Logan Brown; his sister, Dorothy Baldwin; his brother, Anthony Grisham and wife Patsy, and numerous nieces and nephews, family members and friends.
Pallbearers will be Brad Long, Marvin Love, Robert Thompson, Mike Valentine, Dennis Brown, and George Baca. Honorary pallbearers will be Roger Long, Anthony Grisham, Dakota Brown, and Ray Tafoya.
A viewing will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Lighthouse Church in Raton, with Pastor E.J. Johnson officiating.
Burial will follow at Fairmount Cemetery, and all who wish to join the family are welcome. A luncheon will follow at Elks Lodge.
Arrangements for Wesley “Possum” Brown have been entrusted to the care of Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home.
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