John was born August 10, 1919, in Kiln Mississippi as the oldest of three children to John and Celeste Brown. Both his parents passed away in 1924. His beloved aunt Alice Squires, who lived nearby in Bay St. Louis, Miss., took in and raised him along with his brother Lucien and sister Glena.
From a young age it was clear that John’s life would be defined by four things- love of Jesus Christ whom he accepted quite young, love of and commitment to family, service to his country and to his community, and his love and interest in sports.
His keen interest in sports was developed as a student at Valena C. Jones School where he was active on several teams in and outside school. Always a good student, John graduated as valedictorian in 1934.
In 1942, John began his highly successful career during World War II in the U.S. Military that spanned over three decades. He became a proud member of the 243rd all-black Quartermaster Regiment in the U.S. Army.
Following the end of the war, John then working back in Mississippi, was wanting a new challenge. Uncle Sam provided the answer again. This time it was the U.S. Air Force where John remained on active duty until his retirement July 31, 1974. Six months later, he returned to serve approximately another 10 years at Randolph AFB in his same position as Chief of MWR (Morale, Welfare, & Recreation), after it had been converted to a civilian position. He was a double-dipper.
His career field in the Air Force was Sports and Recreation and his family enjoyed the same diverse assignments overseas including Greece, Germany and stateside in Alaska. His final assignment was Randolph AFB in San Antonio, TX. He earned the Air Force’s highest enlisted grade, retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant, as well as received two commendation medals and the Bronze Star. John also received many other awards and letters of recognition for his outstanding service throughout his long and distinguished career.
He married the love of his life, the beautiful Manuella Norah, on November 30, 1958. It was the second marriage for both. Their blended family included their daughters Patricia Dupart Laneaux, Lynn Marie Brown, and son Cecil Manuel Brown. They had one son together, Keith A. Brown.
John was a devoted husband and father and his love, care and concern that he showed for his entire family is widely known and admired, near legendary. He was quick to assist anyone who needed help and he enjoyed seeing his loved ones with wide smiles. To know John was to love him. All who knew him respected him for the selfless way he lived his life, and for the service he provided to others.
John was predeceased by his wife Manuella, daughter Patricia Laneaux, nephews Gerald Leneaux, Jr., Lionel Laneaux, brother Lucien Brown, nephew Lucien Jr., sister Glena Hudson, and nephew Booker Hudson.
He leaves to cherish his memory a daughter and two sons. Lynn M. Brown of Bay St. Louis, Miss., Keith A. Brown (Bennie) of San Antonio, Texas, and Cecil M. Brown (Lillian) of New Orleans, La. 13 grandchildren, Robert Brown of Bay St. Louis, Miss., Jon Brown and Julianne “Gracie” Brown of San Antonio, Texas, Paulette Curtis of Columbus, Ohio, Quincy Brown of New Orleans, La., Debra Baker (Japhus) of Jacksonville, Fla., Gerald Laneaux (Debbie) of Lake Charles, La., Angela Laneaux of El Paso, Texas, Sandra Gill (Ethelma) of Tucson, Arizona, Pierre Laneaux of San Antonio, Texas, Trina Laneaux of El Paso, Texas, and Thomas Laneaux of San Antonio, Texas. Sister-in-law Geraldine Brown & family. Many nieces and nephews, Beatrice Brown (children LeSean, Lucien III, Christopher, and Lisa Lewis), Lawrence Brown (Margaret) (children Lawrence, Dante, Lavronera, Cameron, Erin, and Joshua Hinds), Cynthia Patterson (daughter Cyntria Patterson), Alice Brown, Albert Brown (Nadine) (children Albert Jr., Brianna, Valerie, and Pendergast), Derrick Brown (children Dakari, Tykia and Aisha), and Jacqueline Brown. Nephews through sister Glena Hudson, are Joseph Hudson, Marcus Hudson (wife Karen, children Kenneth, Bridgette, Gloria), Cedric Hudson (wife Vanessa, children Cedric Jr., Eleanor, Vance). A host of great-great grandchildren, great grandchildren, relatives and friends.
The entire Brown Family wishes to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who shares our sorrow. We offer special recognition to those family and friends who have provided such exceptional support and care while Keith and Bennie were living in Saudi Arabia: neighbors David and Erlinda Luna ensured all house related issues were cared for, grandsons Thomas Laneaux, Pierre Laneaux saw to any legal and healthcare support, great-grandson John Hartsfield was a constant friend and confidant, Anthony and Faye Brown would often drop by to fill his fridge and freezer with grilled meats, his phenomenal caregiver and trusted confidant Heather Jasek who always went above and beyond, nephew Lawrence and wife Margaret Brown who never missed a Sunday call, and niece Jacqueline who supported his transition to a widower and assured him she was just a call away, and all the nurses and caregivers who helped during his gradual departure from this world. Know that we appreciate all that you have done, and wish God's blessing on each and everyone. Special thanks to countless number of friends who provided warm smiles, encouraging words, prayers, phone calls and visits during John’s illness. These acts of kindness were a blessing to John.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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