Walter Brown

Walter Louis Brown Jr. began his story in Kansas City, Kansas on August 31, 1968, the son of Walter Lewis Sr. and Mary Rachael (Tiger) Brown. He completed his school days at Tahlequah High School, graduating in 1986. He worked for many years for Cherokee Nation as a Data Entry Clerk. However, his true passion and calling in life was as a first responder, serving as a volunteer firefighter for Lowrey and Welling Fire Department, leading the role of Assistant Chief of Welling Fire Department for some time. He also worked with Tulsa Life Flight and EMSA. Walter held a position as an EMT at Tahlequah City Hospital as well as NSU Police Department Reserve Officer and Cherokee County Sheriff Department Reserve Officer. Above all, his greatest accomplishment in life was his family. He met the love of his life, Melinda Drywater and they were married on January 11, 1992 in Lowrey, sharing 32 years of memories together. He was the proud father of two children, Rachael and Timothy and loving papa to Jase and Jensen. Celebrations and good food went hand and hand in Walter’s eyes. He looked forward to getting together with family and always wore the hat of master griller, not to forget his smoked meat. He was a fun loving guy who liked tattoos and 80’s Classic Rock; often playing some of his favorites himself on the drums. The love of music ran through his veins, listening to Journey, AC/DC, Van Halen, especially Def Leopard, watching MTV and VH1 music videos religiously. When he had a quiet moment, he would read military themed books. Along with his many hobbies, he was a collector of anything and everything and enjoyed browsing through pawn shops any chance he had. Though he may have looked intimidating at first sight, everyone knew Walter to be a big ole’ teddy bear. He was kind hearted and a bit on the goofy side at times, but he was protective and undoubtedly loyal. Walter was a trusted support everyone could rely on and a true hero to so many. He was called from this life on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at the age of 55 years old. The joy and love he brought to others will always be remembered.

He has gone on to join his parents as well as numerous aunts and uncles.

His memory lives on through his wife, Melinda Brown of the home and two children, one daughter, Rachael Michelle Colburn and husband Jake and one son, Timothy Tiger Lee Brown and wife Casey, both of Briggs, OK and two grandchildren, Jase Tyler Colburn and Jensen Levi Colburn. He also leaves his father-in-law, LD Drywater of Tahlequah, OK, one brother-in-law, James Robert Drywater of Lowrey, OK, one niece, Samantha Drywater of Shelton, WA, one aunt, Susie Sanders of Tahlequah, OK along with many cousins and a numerous friends and loved ones.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Walter Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 10:00am at Reed-Culver Chapel with Jerry Dry officiating.