Henry Eldon Brown

Henry Eldon Brown, 83-year-old Vinita resident, passed away peacefully, with his family by his side on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at his home. He was born on October 24, 1942, in Vinita, to Henry Lee Brown and Goldie Mae (VanGundy) Brown. Henry went to elementary school in Cleora and graduated in 1960, from Vinita High School. He served his country in the United States Army and Army National Guard entering in July of 1961 and was honorably discharged. On April 14, 1962, he married the love of his life, Linda Jo Weaver at the First Baptist Church in Vinita, they were married 63 years. Henry worked in the automotive field, before opening his NAPA store "Brown's Auto and Tractor Supply" in Vinita, operating it for over 20 years. They retired and moved to the farm. After a while he went back to work, working at Phase I Dock Services, before retiring again from Craig County District #3. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Vinita, Craig County Bow Hunters Club, and the Cherokee Nation. Henry enjoyed hunting, fishing, archery, knife making, ranching, casino trips and spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Lee and Goldie Mae Brown, his sister and brother in-law, Dorothy and Richard Grumbein.

The family includes his wife Linda of the home; daughter, Lesia Smith and husband Sterling of Big Cabin, Joe Brown and wife Stephanie, Estey Brown all of Vinita; bonus son, Joey Babcock of Vinita; grandchildren, Colt Smith and wife Kim of Vinita, Travis Smith and wife Nicole of Big Cabin, Maecy Anderson and husband Jay of Vinita, Samantha Summers and husband Chris of Claremore; eleven great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren, with a host of other relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at the Burckhalter-Highsmith Chapel in Vinita.

The celebration of life will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Vinita, with Pastor Skip McClain officiating. Interment will follow at the Fairview Cemetery in Vinita. Online condolences may be made at www.highsmithfh.com or on the funeral home Facebook page. Arrangements are in the care of the Burckhalter-Highsmith Funeral and Cremation Services of Vinita. "Vinita's only locally family owned and operated funeral home."