John Olen Brown Sr.

1928 - 2015

John Olen Brown, Sr., of Sheridan, was born Dec. 8, 1928 in Sparkman, the son of the late Wilburn Dan and Willie Jo Walker Brown.
He was a proud member of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Sheridan. He was a true "gentleman," and was a well-respected business man. Olen enjoyed hunting and fishing and spending time outdoors. However, his greatest joy was his family. He didn't just make a living, he made a life. He taught his family the value of "handshake" deals and that your word and your reputation was more important than anything. He was a proud Christian man who gave God the Glory for any achievements in his life. He will be missed by so many people, but he leaves behind a rich legacy of love and honor that honors his memory.
Mr. Brown died at his home on Monday, June 8, 2015 with his family by his side at the age of 86.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Kathyleen Harrison Brown; two grandchildren, Shannon and Wendy Brown; and a brother, Loyl Brown.
He is survived by his children, Ronnie Brown, Sr. and wife Sue of Sheridan, Doris Brown of Bryant, Dan Brown and wife Freda of Sheridan; John O. Brown, Jr. and wife Sherri of Sheridan, Harlan Brown and wife Brenda of Sheridan; grandchildren Ronnie Brown, Jr. and wife Krista, Wilburn Brown, Janie Brown and Lorie Holland, Stacy Bryant, Ann Prather, Gary and wife Melissa Brown, Amy McMahan, Faith and husband Scott Boatright, Angie and husband Travis Key, Jason and wife Sheri Brown, Chris and wife Jessica Brown, Jeremy and wife Leah Brown; great-grandchildren, Dawson, Addison, Priscilla, Elizabeth, Nick, Morgan, Brockton, Elisabeth, Austin, Alysse, Ashlyn, Collin, Bryce, Tully, Garrett, Gabriel, Breanna, Madisyn, Baylee and Rylee; brothers, Bob and wife Ernestine Brown of Dumas and Bill and wife Wanda Brown of Heber Springs; sister, Betty Casebolt of Virginia; his faithful pet, Abby and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Thursday, June 11, at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Terry Williams, Bro. Vance Nutt and his son, Bro. John O. Brown, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at New Hope Cemetery.
Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. tonight at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Calvary Missionary Baptist Church Mission Fund, P.O. Box 34, Sheridan, Arkansas 72150 or Hospice Home Care, 3135 West 28th Avenue, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71603.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons.
Arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan (870) 942-1306.
Online guestbook: www.memorialgardenssheridan.com.
Family comments: The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to all his caregivers and to Hospice Homecare for all they did to make his life, and home-going, as comfortable as possible.