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Asa Brown Obituary

BROWN Asa Darrell Brown, Jr., a.k.a. Mayport Boy, 83, of Atlantic Beach was surrounded by many of his loving family when he went to be with his Lord on Friday, November 25, from the effects of ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). He was born and raised in the Village of Mayport , Florida and was very proud of his Minorcan heritage. Darrell was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in Korea during the Korean War. He was a member of Fletcher High School class of 1946, enjoyed living at the beach all of his life and was happiest when he was with family and friends. His favorite things were fishing, dancing, playing tennis with the Selva Marina Country Club team and playing poker with his friends. Darrell was proud to be a partner with Lake Ray, Sr., as they founded Harbor Engineering in Jacksonville. He married the love of his life, Deane DeVane and would have celebrated 60 wonderful years together on December 27th. He is survived by his wife Deane, daughter Melissa Robbins (Bruce), sons Kerry Brown, and Dana Brown (Leonarda). He was so very proud of his grandchildren, Ryan Robbins, Meredith Robbins, Kyle Brown, and Nicholas Brown. Also, survivors include sisters Una Orr and Claudia Estes (David), brother Donald (Diane), brother-in-law Richard DeVane (Ann) and sister-in-law Sally Hanson (Gabe). Darrell frequently remarked that he was so fortunate to have such a wonderful family living around him. He also enjoyed spending time with his nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. A celebration of Darrell's life will be at Singleton's Seafood Shack in Mayport from 3-5 pm on Wednesday, November 30th. The family requests any donations go to the ALS Association of Florida, 3242 Parkside Center Circle , Tampa , FL 33619-0907 . Arrangements are under the care and trust of ETERNITY FUNERAL HOME, JACKSONVILLE, 4856 Oakdale Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32207, 904-348-5579, www.eternityfuneralhome.com. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Florida Times-Union on Nov. 29, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
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Melissa

December 29, 2011

Christmas was not the same without you, Dad. Kerry gave out lottery tickets in your honor. I won a dollar! I miss you everyday!

Jan Little

December 5, 2011

I know Darrell because his sister, Claudia, has been a special, close friend for almost 50 years. Throughout these years, it was always so much fun to join a family gathering and see Darrell along with Deane. Darrell gave so much to others around him; he had a sense of gentleness and kindness about him. Most people will always remember his laughter and how he enjoyed fun times.
In particular, I remember one New Year's Eve Party at Selva Marina Country Club. I joined Claudia, David and a group of people there. I was in the process of getting a divorce and did not have a partner for that evening. Darrell was so sweet and took me under his protective wing. He made sure that I had him as my dance partner whenever I wanted to dance. Thanks to Darrell, it was a wonderful, fun evening filled with laughter.
Darrell will be deeply missed by family and friends, but everyone will be thankful that he was a part of their life.

December 4, 2011

Will always miss you my special older brother, we had great fun together in younger years and into the older ones too. love you, the #1 sister Una

Robin Anderson

December 3, 2011

I will never forget running into Darrell in the Pic N Save with my mother. This would have been the early 70's. I walked up to him and said, "Can I call you Darrell?" He said, "Well, it's okay with my, but you will have to make sure that it is okay with your mother". Then, my mom said, "Robin, why don't you want to call him Mr. Brown?" To which I replied, "He looks too young to be a 'Mr. Brown'". He laughed and laughed and laughed with that infectious laugh of his... from that day on he was "Darrell" to me.

There was a special connection between he and I... I was sorry to hear about his passing from up here in Detroit. When I visit Atlantic Beach in December, I will be sure to stop by and say hello, Deane... love you and all the family! My heart goes out to you!!!

Robin Anderson

Chad Estes

December 3, 2011

My Uncle Darrell will always have the most infectious laughter I have ever known. Being around him always made me a happier person. We should all inspire to affect others in the same way. Love you Uncle Darrell!!

December 1, 2011

Dear Melissa and family,
The celebration of your dear daddy's life yesterday was beautiful. Though is was a sad occasion, it was joyous and wonderful to see so many friends who loved him. Like everyone said, he's looking down from heaven with his infectious laugh and saying, "job, well done." He would have loved every minute of the tribute. I'm so thankful I was part of it.
Love,
Martha

Pete Petrousek

December 1, 2011

I've been forever grateful to Darrell for embracing my family when Dana and Leo were married. He was a true patriot, proud of his military service and heritage.He would mesmerize us with his tales of Mayport history and then serve a bowl of his world famous Minorcan chowder. Christmas eve will never be the same for me.

MaryAnn Mayfield

December 1, 2011

I knew Uncle Darrell through his niece, Jan Orr Grover. I can remember how lovingly she always spoke of him and what a comedian he was and always happy. I know he will be missed by all..my sincere condolences go out to all of Uncle Darrell's family and friends...he will always be in your heart...

December 1, 2011

I cant think of Darrell without instantly having a huge smile...he had the most infectious laugh!He made Christmas Eve so wonderful...only Darrell could make those silly games(all of us staring at a FAN to stop) and lottery tickets so fun!! He will be missed...

Lake Ray, IV

December 1, 2011

My grandfather still shares stories of Mr. Brown when they opened Harbor Engineering. The thoughts and prayers of my family are with you.

Melissa Brown Robbins

November 30, 2011

What an incredible celebration of Dad's live. The video, Gene's singings, and all of the stories and laughter were exactly what I think Dad would have wanted. I can still hear his contagious laugh. He would be right with family and friends.....CELEBRATING!! I love you, my Dear Daddy!

Pam Allred

November 30, 2011

When I first met Darrell about thirty years ago he had the biggest smile, the funniest laugh and some really, really good jokes. I know that he will be truly missed.

Helen Winters

November 30, 2011

He will be missed by so many! However, his laugh and funny memories will stay in our minds and hearts forever! Sending lots of Love to all the Family today!

Melissa Estes

November 30, 2011

Uncle Darrell...even when I think of him, I hear his laughter and I smile. I will also remember his love for dancing. One of my fondest memories is watching him dance with his sisters, Una and Claudia (my mother-in-law). My heart goes out to the family and friends. He will be missed.

November 30, 2011

I have many fond memories of Darrell when we played tennis at Selva Marina many years ago. He was a great guy to be around - always smiling and having fun. My love and prayers to all the family, especially Deanne. Cherish the memories.... Love, Susan (Bradshaw) Miller

Mary Lee Goethe

November 29, 2011

Darryl is my email buddy but most of all he and Deane came to my husband's burial in the Atlantic Ocean in2007. Billy Goethe and I met in the ocean and I will have my ashes thrown in also. Darryl will see Billy and that will be great. He was a swell guy. I doubt if Deane can remember me and Bill visiting them. He will not be forgotten.

November 29, 2011

A fellow classmate of '46. How time does fly.

Wendell Mobley

Wendell Mobley

November 29, 2011

A fellow classmate of '46. How time does fly.

Wendell Mobley

November 29, 2011

Many fond memories of playing Tennis with Darrell -- a great doubles partner! I remember many great times we shared at parties -- a terric guy -- he will be missed. My deepest sympathy to Deane and family.
Doug Bradshaw

November 29, 2011

What a great man, and a wonderful life. He kept us laughing until the end. He will be missed so much by all his family and friends. Your loving sister, Claudia.

Patricia Davis

November 29, 2011

Claudia, you may not remember me, but my family lived next door to your parents on Hopkins St. many, many years ago. I am very sorry for your loss, I know the Browns were and are a very important part of the Beaches & Mayport. Thoughts are w/you and all of your family.

Pat (Seldon) Davis

November 29, 2011

Our deepest condolences and sympathy for your loss of Darrell. We know that he is in a better place in heaven and is not suffering any longer. There is another angel watching over you all now. May God bless and comfort all of you. Jimmy & DeDe and the Gavagan family.

November 29, 2011

I will always remember Darell's infectious laugh and jolliness, his loving, giving nature and his love for fun times with family and friends. My life was enhanced by knowing him and I am honored that he was my friend. I always cherished my visits when I came back to Jacksonville during the Christmas holidays and all the years of shared times and memories. He will be sorely missed by me and my family. We keep all of his incredible family in our prayers and thoughts. Love always Mary Durant McGeary , Mike Durant, John Durant, Kim Conroy and Lisa Shami.

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