Oct. 5, 1922 - Feb. 23, 1982

SHERIDAN, Wyo. - Well known for his contribution to the custom rifle business, Lenard M. Brownell, 59, returned to Sheridan in 1971 and began a custom gun business. He died Tuesday in his home in Wyarno, Wyo.

Born in Sheridan, Wyo., he was the son of Ha-ford and Edith Murphy Brownell. A graduate of Sheridan High School and Woodbury College, he served during World War II.

In 1944 he married Catherine Chase at Williams Field in Chandler, Ariz.

He started a custom gun business in 1947 which he operated until 1965 when he began work for Sturm, Ruger and Co. of Newport, N.H. He was instrumental in the development of the New Hampshire plant for the manufacture of Ruger rifles and designed gun stocks for Ruger One single-shot rifle, Ruger Model M77 rifle and Ruger shotgun.

A sculpture since 1972, his bronze life-size pheasant won the professional category show at Cody, Wyo. in 1981.

He was a life member of National Rifle Association and Wyoming Shooting Sports Association.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Robert of Sheridan, Wyo.; a sister, Mrs. Arthur (Loytle) Green of Enumclaw, Wash.; and two grandchildren, Brian and Heather.

Services will be 11 a.m. Friday at Champion Funeral with burial in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery.

The Billings Gazette - Feb. 24, 1982.