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Mel Brown passed from this life on Dec. 30, 2013. He was born on June 17, 1932, to Earl and Olive Warner Brown, the seventh son of 13 children in Buncum. He lived all of his life on this beloved ancestral land, which is recognized by the state of Texas as a Century Farm.
He is survived by his best friend, lifelong companion and adoring wife of 36 years, Elizabeth "Betty" Bryant Brown, of Troup.
Mel graduated from Tyler High School in 1951. Attending college on dual basketball/baseball scholarships, he graduated from Lon Morris College, Louisiana College and received a master's degree from Sam Houston State University. Mel served as a basketball coach, algebra teacher, school superintendent and principal before retiring from Whitehouse ISD in 1985.
He is survived by children, Melinda Ross and husband Mark, Alissa Schroeder, Chris Bryant and wife Gwen, Marshall Brown and wife Leila, and Joey Walker and husband Cliff. Grandchildren are Dr. Clint Piper, Grant Piper, Paige Grant, Bailey Stein, Cameron Casson, Lexie Schroeder, Zack Casson, Madison Brown and Thomas Brown. Great grandchildren are Kaitlyn and Tanner Grant.
Mel's surviving brothers and sisters are Bernice Melton, Ruth Mitchell, Martha Burns, Alice Thompson Rosa Collins, Eldon "E.B." Brown and Mary McCoy.
He was predeceased by his parents; son, Richard Bryant; and siblings, Guy Brown, Martin Brown, Marshall Brown, Buck Brown and Oscar Brown.
Mel's laughter and stories were the center of every gathering. Whether it was laughing with BB "Betty" until 1 a.m., walking through his beloved woods, farming or building everything from furniture to log houses, Mel Brown made it fun. Affectionately called "Gramps" by his family, one of his favorite things was to pull a trailer full of grandkids through the woods, ending up at his annual Christmas bonfire. He also excelled as a 42 player, taking every opportunity to improve his game.
If desired, memorials may be made to Mount Carmel Baptist Church, 10519 Farm-to-Market Road 344 East, Whitehouse, 75791. A family memorial service will be held at a later date.
Dec. 30,2013 marked the end of an extraordinary life, but the beginning of lifelong memories.
Cards and notes may be mailed to:
Betty Brown
13040 Brown Ln.
Troup, Tx 75789
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Jan 74 -Nix (Cook)
Mel Brown was a great teacher - I majored in Math! Much love to Melinda, Allissa, Brent, and Joey in the loss of your dad and to Betty in the loss of her husband.
Dan 72 -Higgins
What a fine man and a gifted teacher. My father always thought the world of Mr Brown and so did I.Kathy 74 -Cook (Casey)
Oh wow, we have lost a great man. What an awesome teacher he was, especially to us that struggled. HE never gave up on us. Our prayers and thoughts to all the family. He will be missed so much. He loved his students so much, and we could tell with his sense of humor and style of teaching.
Kathy Cook Casey
Theresa 75 -Boyd (Walden)
I am so sorry to hear your lost. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.