A. Charles Brown

Born on Wednesday, March 13, 1929 in Excelsior Springs Missouri, Alva Charles Brown, Jr. brought immediate joy as the first-born son to his parents, Alva Brown, Sr. and Mary Alice. Equally excited to welcome their brother were his sisters Vivian and Pauline. It was at this very start that his spoiling began. However, later he had to share the attention with his younger sister Arlone. Charles grew up primarily in the North-Central parts of Kansas. In 1949 he graduated high school from Salina High.

After high school graduation in 1947, Charles enrolled in Kansas Wesleyan and later moved to Manhattan, Kansas to attend Kansas State where he graduated in 1952 with his degree in Electrical Engineering.

Once college was completed, Charles began work at Beech Aircraft in Wichita. In 1953 he was inducted into the Army and served in the Research and Development-Signal Corp. During this time Charles would firmly express his dislike for shining his shoes.

While in Wichita, he and his buddy Evans, went to pick up Evans date and her friend for a double date. Little did Evans know that Charles actually had eyes on his date! A few weeks after his first meeting, Charles called on Nadine (Carr) and asked if she would like to go out. Evans had no idea that he introduced Charles to the love of his life and the future Mrs. Charles Brown.

In 1954 Charles & Nadine married and began their life together in Long Branch New Jersey. After an honorable discharge in 1955, the couple returned back to Wichita where he worked at Kansas Gas & Electric and later Boeing.

In 1957 Charles & Nadine welcomed their first-born baby girl, Rebecca (Becky) Sue. In 1960, Stanley Kent came along. After being laid off from Boeing, the Brown family relocated to Grand Prairie, Texas where Charles began work at Ling-Temco-Vought (LTV). Shortly after this move they welcomed their 3rd child, Steven Charles. In 1965 their family was complete with the arrival of Ann Elizabeth.

Charles was a dedicated and detailed employee receiving accolades and awards for his accomplishments. In 1993 he retired from LTV.

After retiring Charles never stopped! He enjoyed hours & hours of piddling, this included lots of time in the yard, working on the car, “organizing” his shop, honey do’s & more. He thoroughly loved this time.

Charles exceled in most things he did, from grade school up, however his greatest accomplishment was his role as a son, brother, husband, Dad, Pop, Great Pop, uncle, Christian, and friend. He was a caregiver and enjoyed helping others. He was the one behind the camera capturing the exciting events of his kids and grandkids. He spent valuable time teaching and playing with his kids and grandkids. He loved family gatherings, complete with lots of noise, laughter and chaos.

He took a Dale Carnegie class in “How to Win Friends and Influence People” which he obviously exceled in since he was special to both young and old. He once put up the Christmas decorations early because the young neighbor boy was ready to see them.

In 2010 Charles was slowed by a stroke, however, he dedicated himself to pushing through and not giving up on his recovery. He was not able to do all of the things he enjoyed before this but he continued to teach his family and others around him by showing perseverance, love, patience, kindness and goodness. He had a good attitude and never fought against wanting to do what was needed to keep himself mobile. He did this with the help of family and a special caregiver Adell.

Charles loved his family, loved his friends, but especially loved being a Christian and serving our God. He held many roles in the church, all of which he served whole heartedly. He was a constant example of what a Christian man should be.

He is survived by his partner and love of his life, wife of 64 years, Nadine, daughters Becky, Ann and husband David, son Steve and wife Robin, daughter –in- law Lisa, sister Pauline, 8 grandkids, 11 great-grandkids and numerous loved family members.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Alva and Mary Alice, sisters Vivian and Arlone, son Stan and great-grand angel Bryant.

Memorials can be made to In Search of the Lords Way at Searchtv.org or Wreaths Across America at honordfw.com or wreathsacrossamerica.org