Melvin Ray Brown

1932 - 2018

Melvin Ray Brown was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, football player, and coach to countless young men. He passed away Thursday, September 13, 2018 surrounded by his family following a long battle with Alzheimer's. Melvin will be remembered for his steadfast faith, love of his family, his generosity, optimism and passion for life. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 15, 11:00 A.M. at Park Avenue, Church of Christ, 3000 South Park Avenue, Denison, Texas 75020 with Minister Todd Catteau officiating. Melvin was born March 5, 1932 in Hagerman, TX and was the oldest of three children born to the late Flossie and Winston Brown. He married the late Jean Biggerstaff in Norman, OK, 1958, and they had three children, Lisa, Stuart and Kelsey. He is survived by his daughter, Lisa and husband, Russell Jarrell of Dallas; grandsons, Cameron and Connor, son, Stuart and wife, Cheryl Brown of Houston, grandchildren McKenzie, Matthew, and Campbell, and daughter Kelsey and husband, Mark Haney of Fort Worth and granddaughter Caroline Malanga. He is also survived by his sister, Tillie Grisham and her husband, Wilburn of Sherman, sister-in- law, Janice Brown of Sherman, and many Brown family nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Sammy Brown. Melvin grew up in Grayson County where he excelled at sports, playing football for the Denison Yellow Jackets. His love for football continued as he played for University of Oklahoma followed by a long, productive coaching career. Some of his favorite moments were playing for the Denison Yellow Jackets and being part of the semi-finalist team, winning the 1st football National Championship at University of Oklahoma, coaching with Bill Yeoman at University of Houston and helping create the Veer offense, and being named "Coach of the Year" in the Lone Star Conference. His impact on the young men that he coached continues as a legacy to the next generation being a father-figure to many of them. In retirement, he returned to his beloved Denison, Texas where he enjoyed spending time with all of his extended Brown family and special friend Helen Burton, his grandchildren, the Denison High School Alumni Association, Park Avenue Church of Christ, and the OU Club of Texoma. He gave tirelessly of his time and energy to his alma mater Oklahoma University. He was thrilled to have two grandchildren, Caroline Malanga and Connor Jarrell follow in his footsteps at OU. Melvin was adored by all who knew him, and he will be greatly missed! Donations can be made Alzheimer's Association Dallas and Northeast Texas Chapter, 3001 Knox Street #200, Dallas, TX 75205, OU Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, 900 Asp Ave, Suite 427, Norman, OK 73019, or Park Avenue Church of Christ 3000 South Park Avenue, Denison, TX 75020. Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson-Moore Funeral Home.
Condolences may be made to: www.johnsonmoorefuneralhome.net.