Cecil Brown

Cecil Brown, 80, passed away peacefully in his beloved home with his wife by his side on February 12, 2025, in Savoy, Louisiana. A memorial will be held at the St. Thomas Catholic Church in Savoy, LA on March 8, 2025.



Born on October 22, 1944, in Eunice, Cecil spent his entire life rooted in the town he loved. Cecil lived a life as full and vibrant as the stories he loved to tell.



Cecil's home and its surrounding land were some of his greatest lifetime treasures. He loved explaining the history of the property and the intricate details of the home, including it being constructed from refurbished building materials from the demolished Elton School. He was especially proud that his elderly father-in-law, Robert Butson, whom he loved and admired, was the home's designer.



Cecil was a man of unwavering faith and boundless energy. At just 14 years old, he began riding bulls-a passion that would define much of his adventurous nature. He often spoke of riding 1,000 bulls during his career, a testament to his fearless love for the sport. His competitive streak extended beyond the rodeo arena-he found joy in friendly games of cards with his buddies and rounds of golf that were as much about camaraderie as they were about skill. He loved speaking French, his first language, with anyone who would engage with him.



After graduating from Eunice High School in 1964, Cecil began farming and working in agriculture which led to his lifelong passion for training horses and raising cattle. In his early years, he trained and exercised racehorses at Evangeline Downs.



In 1969, Cecil graduated from Nashville Auction School where he earned the title of Colonel. He then started Brown's Auction Company and used his extensive knowledge of livestock breeds, quality and handling to become a livestock auctioneer working for local sale barns. During this time, he established his own bush racetrack, Linzay Downs, where he conducted Calcutta auctions. He also held a position as a a Livestock Brand Inspector for the State of Louisiana for over ten years, as well as a purchase agent for cattle at Angola State Prison.



During Governor Dave Treen's administration in the early 1980s, Cecil established and developed the state of Louisiana's system for liquidating surplus property at auction which remains in effect today.



Throughout his life, Cecil volunteered his auctioneering skills for 4-H livestock shows, Ducks Unlimited banquets, and school and church fundraisers. His charismatic presence even landed him a role in the movie Contraband, where he had his five minutes of fame playing himself-a natural auctioneer, through and through. Brown's Auction went on to remain an operating business for 50 years.



In addition to auctioneering, Cecil was a self-made entrepreneur owning and operating an oil vacuum trucking company, as well as a political consulting business working closely with former Governor Edwin Edwards. Cecil played the key role in obtaining the Coushatta Indian Gaming Compact, which allowed the tribe to establish the Coushatta Casino.



Cecil wore many hats throughout his years, leaving his mark on every field he touched. He found his greatest peace in the simple moments of life. Whether riding his horse through the pasture or tending to his longhorns with his loyal dog, Molly, always by his side, he cherished the quiet beauty of the land. However, nothing brought him more joy than time spent with his children and grandchildren. He treasured every moment with them, creating memories that will forever be held in their hearts.



Cecil was larger than life-a presence that filled every room with laughter. His storytelling was legendary; he had a rare gift for spinning tales and delivering jokes that left people laughing until they cried. He was the heart of every gathering, leaving behind stories that will be cherished for generations.



He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Gaynell "Feetie" Butson Brown; his four children: Haidee Brown DeRouen (husband Karlie), Millie Claire Brown, Cecil Linzay Brown, and Jacob Butson Brown; and seven grandchildren: Pierre DeRouen, Isabelle DeRouen, F.J. DeRouen, Christina Dalmau, Marie Claire Dalmau, Emmalene Brown, and Camille Brown. He also leaves behind one great-granddaughter, Julianna DeRouen. His siblings-Willa Wagner, Pris Kees, Terry "Coonie" Brown, Bruce Brown, Bobby Brown (wife Doris), Becky Longman, and Cindy Leblanc (husband Robert). His sisters-in-law Brenda LeJeune; Joyce Wolfe (husband George); Emma Sexton (husband Richard); and Dolores "Lu" Buller.



Cecil was preceded in death by his parents Merzie Billeaudeau Brown and Linzay Brown; his father- and mother-in-law Robert and Anita Butson; his sisters Rae Armand, Jen Nagata, and Flo LaFleur; brothers-in-law Art Wagoner, Lester Armand, Dwight LaFleur, Phil Kees, Joe Nagata, Dr. Jeff Longman, Billy LeJeune and Matt Buller; as well as sisters-in-law Frances "Lulu" Brown and Judy Brown.



Cecil's legacy lives on through the laughter he shared and the love he gave so freely. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.