John Cary Brown

John Cary Brown, 84, of Apache, Oklahoma, passed away March 4, 2026. He was born May 25, 1941, in Hutchinson, Kansas, to John Lewis Brown and Ina Fay Martha Brown.

He attended school in Hutchinson, Kansas, and Arnett, Oklahoma, and graduated from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva. He later earned his master's degree plus additional hours from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma.

On February 2, 1964, he married Wanda Lea Stevens. They shared 62 years of marriage.

John began his teaching career at Waynoka High School before moving to Apache in 1967. There he taught instrumental music and later served as Junior High Principal, High School Principal, and Superintendent of Schools. He retired from education in 1993.

Following his retirement from teaching, John began working at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he served as the Lead Network Engineer for the Fire Support Test Directorate. His unsurpassed knowledge in satellite communications and network architecture played a vital role in the success of numerous operational tests of Field Artillery systems at Fort Sill and other test centers throughout the United States and around the world. Many of the Field Artillery systems supported during his tenure are currently being employed by United States armed forces across the globe.

John obtained his pilot's license and enjoyed aviation, flying model airplanes, hunting, working on computers, mowing the lawn, and playing the piano.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Apache, Masonic Lodge 223, Eastern Star, Apache Rotary Club, and the National Rifle Association, and served as a volunteer firefighter with the Apache Fire Department.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Wanda Brown of Apache; daughter Pamela Nation of Apache; son John Michael Mike Brown and wife Cher Renee of Weatherford; grandsons Jared Nation and wife Chire of Apache, Ethan Nation and wife Kalayla of McAlester, and Shawn and Shane Parrott of Apache; granddaughters Bailee Crews and husband Matt of Weatherford and Bradyn Stark and husband Tyler of Weatherford, Oklahoma. Great-grandchildren Weston Scott Nation, Bryler Wayne Stark, and Clementine Cairo Crews. One brother Richard Brown and wife Diane of New Jersey; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services are planned for 10:00 A.M., Monday, March 9, at the Apache First United Methodist Church with Chris Stinnett and Lory Fahle officiating. Interment will follow at 3:00 P.M. in the Shattuck Memorial Cemetery with Jared Nation, Ethan Nation, Shawn Parrott, Tyler Stark, Matt Crews, and Robert Canan serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Shane Parrott, Bob Wells, and Richard Brown. Viewing will be available Saturday, March 7, from 10:00-7:00 P.M. and Sunday, March 8, 1:00-5:00 P.M. at Crews Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Apache Fire Department, or Apache High School Band.

Online condolences can be made at www.crewsfh.com.