Gerald D. Brown was born on January 2, 1936 in Kerman, California to Dave and Ethel Brown. He spent his younger years living in Santa Paula where as a teen he worked in the lemon groves and spent time fishing the local Ventura beaches. When Gerald was 17 years old, he joined the United States Army and served in the Korean War as a cook along with working in the artillery unit. After the war he received an Honorable discharge and returned home in 195. Once home he became a baker in Madera, CA and then married Betty Broussard. Together they moved to Shafter where he finished his education at Bakersfield High School and began raising their five children. After Betty's passing; Gerald was blessed once more when he met and married his beloved wife, Ruby in 1998. Gerald enjoyed working, but his true passion was cooking. He loved cooking for his entire family and church community. He had once been active in the local Shafter American Legion post but more recently he volunteered his time at Wasco Community Church when given the opportunity. Gerald was an avid fisherman and camping enthusiast, who cherished his time outdoors. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Gerald is survived by his wife, Ruby Brown; sons, Philip (Sandi) Brown, Keith (JoAnn) Brown; daughters, Mary (Jesse) White, Cynthia Irvine; step- daughters, Norma (Masoud)Tabatabai, Cheryl (Doug) Hall, Donna Norman, Tammy (Harley) Voss; brother, Harry Brown; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his 1st wife, Betty Joanne Brown; daughter, Ruth Byrd; grandson, Jason Brown; parents, Dave and Ethel Brown; brothers, J.D. Brown, Buddy Brown, Roy Brown, Clifton Brown; sister, Minnie Brown. A viewing will be held on Thursday, March 17, 2016 from 2-8pm at Peters Funeral Home in Shafter, Ca. A graveside service will be officiated by Pastor Mike Polley on Monday, March 21, 2016 at Bakersfield National Cemetery at 1:15pm.