Harley Brown

Harley Clyde Brown, 84, passed away Tuesday, November 12. He was born December 20, 1934 in Shreveport, LA. Harley was educated in public schools where he excelled in football. During his senior year at Fair Park High he was named All American, All Southern, All State, All District, and All City. As Captain in 1952, he led the team to a State Championship victory. An LSU football scholarship followed. At LSU, this north Louisiana Baptist boy fell in love with a Catholic dark-eyed beauty from New Orleans. Harley and Eloise DeRouen married and moved to Shreveport in 1955.

He was Athletic Director for Shreveport Parks & Recreation (SPAR) for 3 ½ years, followed by 10 ½ years in the trucking industry. A transfer to Baton Rouge turned into the opportunity of a life time.

Harley and two partners started Gulf Disposal Services, a solid waste disposal company, which was later bought by Browning Ferris Industries. He continued working in management until retirement.

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) was formed in 1983. He served on two boards which drafted the first rules and regulations for transportation and disposal of solid waste.

Harley was a simple man from humble beginnings who built a successful, thriving business. He loved country music, singing, and fishing at his camp, but, above all, he loved spending time with family.

Preceded in death by wife, Eloise D. Brown; son, Gregory M. Brown; parents, Mae Belle B. Wakeman and Denton T. Brown.

He leaves to cherish his memory a brother, Donald (Sharon) Brown, sister, Dennise (Robert) Aiello, five children, Cathy (Bill) Brunson, Harley Mark Brown, Carolyn (Bucky) Elofson, Suzan Watkins, and Jeanine (Barry) Hartin; daughter-in-law, Jane A. Brown; numerous beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA, on Friday, November 15, 2019 from 4:30pm-8:00pm. Visitation will resume Saturday, November 16, 2019 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church from 10:00am until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30am. Interment will immediately follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park.