Ruel H Brown '63

Brother Ruel Brown was born October 1, 1943, and lived in Canal Winchester Ohio where he graduated from Canal Winchester High School in 1961.  He played high school football and basketball while attending his high school. Ruel was chosen to be his high school's delegate to Boy's State. Ruel would be recognized and honored by being selected for the Boy's State Merit Scholarship Award.

Following high school, Brother Brown enrolled at Ohio State University and soon pledged the Kappa Sigma fraternity at OSU.  He was initiated in 1963 and immediately became actively involved in building the Alpha Sigma chapter. As Rush Chairman, he put together one of the 1960's best-in-class initiate groups that included future Kappa Sigma Hall of Fame members. That class had alumni such as Dave Mader, Victor Baker, Jeff Shaw and Bob Lowrie, among others.  Most of these have stayed close and continue to support Kappa Sigma. 

In 1965 Brother Brown chose to serve his country by enlisting in the Air National Guard at Lockbourne Air Force Base, Ohio.  He qualified for Air Force Pilot Training and received a commission to 2nd Lieutenant.  He completed Undergraduate Pilot Training and after receiving his wings, moved on to complete advanced training. Brother Brown became a combat ready pilot in the F-100 Super Saber jet fighter through training.  On February 8, 1968, while still serving on active duty, 2nd Lieutenant Brown was flying a simulated combat training mission at a gunnery range in Indiana. Due to bad weather conditions for flying, Brother Brown was fatally injured when his aircraft hit the ground.

HOF member Major General Robert P. Meyer credits his close friend and Brother Brown for convincing him to follow his lead and join the Air National Guard.  Brother Meyer also became a fighter pilot and served 39 years before retiring and was honored to submit Ruel Brown for entry into the Hall of Fame in 2025.