Ralph E. Brown

Ralph Eugene Brown of Nowata, OK  took his first breath of life on November 29, 1932, and entered into eternal rest with our Lord and Savior peacefully in his sleep on Friday, February 16th, 2024, at the age of 91. 

Ralph was born in Wetumka, OK to Charles and Eva (Leak) Brown. He had one brother, Jack, and three sisters, Helen, Patsy, and Betty. He attended Central High School in Tulsa, OK. On December 18, 1950, he entered the U.S. Navy, serving during the Korean War. Whenever recognized, he would proudly state his exact 3 years, 9 months, and 27 days of service.

Known for his work ethic, Ralph was a successful land surveyor and enjoyed his work. He worked for the Army Corps of Engineers from 1961 to 1988. He surveyed several of the lakes and highways built in Oklahoma and bordering states during that time. Shortly after his retirement from the Corps, he established Brown’s Surveying. He proudly served Nowata County and the surrounding area for another 28 years, retiring the second time at the age of 84. His children each have memories of being a part of his surveying “crew” as do some of his friends. 

Ralph loved studying, teaching, and preaching the Word of God. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior as a young man and became increasingly devoted year after year. In 1994, he completed a two year Ministerial Training Course at Rhema Bible Training Center in Tulsa, OK. 

He was a faithful member of Watova Full Gospel Christian Center where he enjoyed teaching and leading the service over the years. Ralph was a prayer warrior. He prayed diligently for our country, its leaders, his community, church, and especially his family.

Over the years, Ralph also enjoyed farming and fishing. He farmed for a period of time south of Nowata. He loved going fishing with his brother-in-laws, Don and Delton. He and Angel spent many hours gathering with friends and family to play card and domino games. He made a hobby out of going out to eat and was known as part of the family at the local Mexican Restaurant. Ralph prayed for and supported his grandchildren. He never missed a graduation in the family as long as he was able. 

Ralph Brown was a kind man who was respected by his community and deeply loved by his friends and family. He leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife, Angeline Brown of the home; five children: David Brown (Brenda) of Broken Arrow, OK, Ron Brown of Alma, AR, Kristina Cargill (Joe) of Richland, MO, Craig Maggard (Denise) of Renton, WA, and Brien Brown of Nowata, OK; his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents and siblings, Ralph was preceded in death by two children, Charles Brown and Sonja Owens.

Even though he is gone from our sight, Ralph’s legacy of love, faith, and steadfastness will live on in our hearts forever. 

Visitation will be Thursday, February 22, 2024, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Benjamin Funeral Services, Nowata, OK. His Celebration of Life Service will be held at Watova Full Gospel Christian Center on Friday, February 23, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations be made to Watova Full Gospel Christian Center, P.O. Box 151, Nowata, OK 74048.