Joseph I Brown

Joseph Irving Brown was born in Sallis, Mississippi on July 31, 1932, to Ford Brown and Sallie Harmon. Both of his parents separated when he was young and remarried other people. He also had a half-brother, O. W. Williams, and a half–sister, Jessie Mae Bowden, both of whom preceded him in death. While growing up, the family remained close. In the 1940’s his family moved to Gary, Indiana where he attended primary and secondary School. During High School and shortly thereafter, Joe worked for U.S. Steel and completed some courses at Indiana University, Gary Extension before being drafted into the Army in 1953. He missed seeing action in the Korean War because after Basic Training he volunteered for Officer Candidate School (OCS), and he received a commission in the Army Medical Service Corps in 1954. He eventually did two tours of duty in South Korea and one of South Viet Nam later in his military career.

Joe was stationed in Ludwigsburg, Germany for two years and held various junior officer positions there and stateside. He completed Army Helicopter Training School at Ft. Rucker, Alabama where he met and married Juliette Carolyn Stinson in 1958. They were married for almost 63 years until her death in 2021. From 1958-1960 Joe was a Medical Evacuation Pilot and Executive Officer of the 37th Helicopter Detachment, Ft. Benning, Georgia and at Ft. Ord, California. In 1962, he completed requirements for a bachelor’s degree at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a master’s degree in Guidance Counseling at St. Mary’s University in 1973.

Colonel Brown served thirty-one and a half years in the Army. His favorite assignment was as Brigade Commander, Academy Brigade, Academy of Health Sciences, Ft. Sam Houston, TX. After retirement, Joe worked as a Real Estate Broker and was engaged in many leisure and volunteer activities in the Community.

He enjoyed playing golf, running, working out at the gym, taking occasional fishing trips to Canyon Lake, the Texas Coast, and the Guadalupe River and numerous road trips to Mississippi. For four decades Joe attended and volunteered as Usher/greeter and Lay reader at Ft. Sam Houston Main Post Chapel. He volunteered with Christian Assistance Ministry (CAM) and was a member of American Legion Post # 612 in Windcrest, Texas. Joe had a confident demeanor, easy smile, and an infectious laugh that made you like him. In addition, he was a passionate Dallas Cowboys and San Antonio Spurs fan.

Col. Brown is survived by daughters: Patricia Carolyn Sicari, Julia Paulette, and son: John Edward, granddaughters: Patricia (Trish) Sicari and Alison Sicari, numerous nieces, and nephews; along with a host of extended family members and lifelong friends and neighbors.

As we remember our father's indomitable spirit and honor his legacy, we will forever be encouraged by his lasting presence in our hearts.