Claude Dean Brown CMSGT, USAF, Retired, died on December 23, 2017 at Brookdale Senior Living Facility, Kerrville, Texas. He was born in Cotton County, OK in 1928. Claude was preceded in death by his parents, Claud Brown and Gracie Brown West, a brother, Bobby Joe, and sisters, Mildred Dodson and Mary Smith.
Claude graduated from Lawton HS in 1947. Because Claude's father deserted the family when Claude was seven years old, Claude worked after school through junior and senior high school. Claude joined the Air Force in 1948. One Saturday evening, Claude was walking across St. Mary's Street, and Frances Preest (Fran) was crossing from the other direction with a classmate from Lawton who was going through basic training at Lackland AFB. Her classmate saw Claude and called out ''That guy's from Lawton!'' That started three years of dating for Claude and Fran. They married between her junior and senior year at Trinity University in 1951 at San Antonio, TX. He served at Lackland AFB and Clark AFB, Philippines, Parks AFB, California, Andrews AFB. Maryland, Takli AFB, Thailand and Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, Texas, where he retired as CMSGT in 1977.
Claude graduated with a Summa Cum Laude degree in Business Administration from Midwestern State University in 1979. He worked for Miller-Holmes Company, Jake Holmes Company and for MA Vordenbaum & Sons, General Contractors, as Office Manager. While in Wichita Falls, Texas, he served as president of the Southwest Rotary Club and was a Paul Harris Fellow.
As a member of First Christian Church of Wichita Falls, Claude was selected as the church's ''Man of the Year'' for 1979. He served as Christian Men's Fellowship president, chair of the Official Board, Stewardship chair, Disciples Class president and church elder and Elder Emeritus. Claude enjoyed singing in the choir. While His health allowed, he served as a team member for the Red River Emmaus Community. He and Fran or Red Carlton went fishing every chance they coult get at Lake Arrowhead.
Claude and Fran moved to Kerrville, Texas in 2007. He served as the 21st Century
Class president, United Methodist Men president, and Finance Committee member of the Kerrville United Methodist Church. He also enjoyed singing with the Gloryland Gospel Singers. Claude also served as a lay chaplain at Peterson Regional Medical Center in Kerrville.
One of the pleasures of life for Claude was a game of cards. He often played bridge at the Dietert Center, where he also taught bridge for beginners.
He is survived by his wife Fran, sons, Larry of Hollywood, Florida; David and his spouse, Bill Havill-Brown of Kerrville; Steven and his wife Barbara of April Sound, Montgomery, Texas; and granddaughters Katie (husband Neil) Geurin, Leanne (husband Preston) Page, and great grandchildren Landon and Carter Geurin and Elli and Vivian Page.
Memorial services will be at the First United Methodist Church, Kerrville on Friday, December 29, 2017 at 10:00 AM, and burial will be in Walters, Oklahoma on a later date.
Our thanks go to Allison of Peterson Hospice and to Drs. Melucci, Glanton and Fish ant to Anne Shackelford and especially to our pastor, Rev. Donna Magee. Memorials may be made to charities of choice.
Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Kerrville Funeral Home. (830) 895-5111
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
First United Methodist Church
321 Thompson Drive
Kerrville, TX 78028
Friday, December 29, 2017
10 AM
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