Elbe Ray Brown

Elbe Ray Brown passed away on October 20, 2025. Elbe was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and loyal friend. An honorary military service will be held Graveside at the East Line Street Cemetery on October 29, 2025 at 1:00pm here in Bishop, California.

Elbe is the son of Katherine Irene Trask and Kenneth Lee Brown, born on January 16, 1956.  Elbe is survived by his wife Rena Bowman Brown, sons Garrett Neboyia, Gabriel Neboyia and Grandson Joshua A. Neboyia. Also survived brothers George D. Brown, Tony Brown and Augie Brown and two sisters Faye Rosemeyer and Debbie Frenzi. Including many grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was a member of the Bishop Paiute Tribe. He was raised in the Owens Valley mainly in Bishop and attended Bishop Union High school where he excelled in sports especially football. He loved to coach football and play as a team member. He was very instrumental in assisting the youth educationally and in sports. He was primarily raised in a ranching family, at the Oasis Ranch located in Dyer, Nevada.

Elbe served in the United States Army and was a peacetime veteran from 1976 to 1982, stationed in Fort Knox, Kentucky.  He was honorably discharged and remained a warrior and protector of his family and his community. His career included Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Counseling with Toiyabe Indian Health Clinic, Bishop Tribal Casino Security Officer, Tribal Casino Management and served on the Tribal Gaming Commission.  His career with the Paiute Palace Casino, now the Wanaaha Casino, covered a twenty-year timespan.

He enjoyed his family thoroughly thru cultural events always supporting his grandchildren in their traditional events. He enjoyed participating as a support member to the Yosemite Traditional Walk.  He enjoyed working with all his crew at the Casino and all his co-workers. He enjoyed being a member of the Bishop High School football team.  He enjoyed being in the mountains and fishing Crowley Lake, camping out to be the first to drop his fishing line on Opening Day. And he especially enjoyed his time as your local Woodman.

Elbe lived his life true to Paiute and Maidu beliefs – to be fearless and giving of kindness.