Daniel Edwards Brabham

A former operator with Shell Chemical, native of Greensburg and resident of Prairieville, he passed away Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011, in Baton Rouge, at the age of 69. He belonged to Carpenters Chapel United Methodist Church in Prairieville. He also formerly taught high-school chemistry and math in Tangipahoa Parish. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force Reserves. He attended the University of Arkansas and LSU, receiving a bachelor's degree in vocational agriculture and numerous academic recognitions through honor societies: Omnicron Delta Kappa, Gamma Sigma Delta, Alpha Tau Alpha, Phi Beta Phi, as well as being an Academic All-American. He played football at college and professional levels, receiving distinction as an All-Southwest Conference recipient (1962) and as the third leading rusher in the SWC during his first year as a fullback. He was the first-round draft pick for the Houston Oilers and later traded to the Cincinnati Bengals, his career spanning from 1963-1968. He was a lifelong crusader for change, having smoking banned in his workplace in the 1980s and founding the Louisiana Fisherman's Forum. He enjoyed genealogy (tracing his family history to Scotland and organizing reunions), hand-grabbing for catfish (featured sportsman in Louisiana Conservationist and in a filmed documentary), aviation (acquired his pilot's license), writing poetry and music, and spinning yarns surrounded by family and friends. Additionally, he was a steam locomotive and history buff, a self-taught player of the guitar and piano, and an avid reader. Visitation at Ourso Funeral Home, Gonzales, on Wednesday, Jan. 26, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Visitation will resume Thursday at Pine Ridge Methodist Church, Greensburg, from 8 a.m. until religious service at 11 a.m., conducted by the Rev. John Locascio. Interment will follow at Pine Ridge Methodist Church Cemetery, Greensburg. He is survived by his wife, Tricou "Bunny" Petit Brabham, of Prairieville; sons and daughters-in-law, Bart and Mary Lou Brabham, of Tulsa, Okla., and Dan Jr. and Ilusion Brabham, of Jacksonville, Fla.; a daughter and son-in-law, Payton and Ricky Mincey, of Prairieiville; brother and sister-in-law, David and Connie Brabham, of Kentwood; four grandchildren, Josh and Luke Brabham and Darien and Zachary Mincey; sisters-in-law, Linda Craddock, of Hammond, and Virginia Brabham, of St. Helena. Preceded in death by his parents, William Hardy and Emma Lee Blades Brabham; and brothers, Billy and Ronnie Brabham. Pallbearers will be David Brabham, Wilbur "Bo" Blades, Ronnie Brabham, Jason Brabham, Don Blades, John Redmon, Terry Davidson and Bobby Hutchinson. Honorary pallbearer is Zachary Mincey. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Sports Legacy Institute, (for research on brain-related sports injuries), P.O. Box 181225, Boston, MA 02118 or Alzheimer's Services of the Capitol Area, 3772 North Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.oursofh.com.