Harlen Brown Sr.

Harlen Brown was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished brother, proud grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was born on August 1, 1944, in Wagoner, Oklahoma, and was raised in Wagoner, Oklahoma, where he built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work.

Harlen graduated from Moton High School in Taft, Oklahoma. Following high school, he was drafted into the United States Army in 1967, where he honorably served his country. After his service, he began a long and dedicated career with General Motors, where he worked 36 years before retiring in 2003.

Harlen was united in marriage to the love of his life, Lula Brown, and together they shared 52 wonderful years of marriage. Their union was a true testament to love, commitment, and family, creating a legacy that will continue for generations.

Harlen found great joy in spending time with his family, whom he loved deeply. He had a passion for fishing, enjoyed watching Western movies, and was a devoted fan of the Kansas City Chiefs. History was his favorite subject, and his knowledge was so vast you might have thought he was a historian. Ask him one question, and 30 minutes later he would still be sharing stories, facts, and insights—if you listened, you were sure to learn. As he would often say, “That’s what I do.”

Harlen was one of the funniest people you could meet, always able to make others smile. His laughter was contagious and brought joy to everyone around him. He had a special way of knowing just what to say and was a wonderful role model—a loving husband, brother, father, and grandfather.

Harlen was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Brown and Evelyn Brown Haywoods. His siblings, Richard Brown Jr., Donald Ray Brown, Quinsola Brown, and Sadara Colbert. His children, Evelyn Chrissy Brown, and Harlen Brown Jr. His grandson Jeffery Redmond.

Harlen leaves to cherish his loving memory his beloved wife, Lula Brown; his children, Terri Lynn Brown , Cherrye Redmond, Mark Jackson, and Brandy Brown; his grandchildren, Anthony Redmond (Angelica), Precious Jackson, Leandra Brown, Kris'Tian Taylor, Tevin Brown, Raymond Harris, Hunter Walker, Harlen Brown III, Traci Brown, Mia Jackson, Jaida Brown; and his great-grandchildren, Anthony Redmond II, Mauricio Redmond, Anahi Redmond, Marcos Redmond, and Harlen Brown IV. Paziley Colvin, Peyton Connelly, Marvin IV (Parker) Connelly, Princeton Connelly, Preston Connelly. Rosalyn Walker, Eulysse Walker, Eugene Walker.

Harlen is also survived by his siblings: John D. Brown (Serita), Fred D. Brown, Kelsie Brown, Harvey Brown (Lois), Edward Brown, Harry B. Brown (Laura), Fabian D. Brown (Tracy), Shirley Brown Lacy, Brenda C. Brown, Marilyn Brown Woods (Willie), and Sandra K. Chatman (Murphy); with a host of 137 nieces and nephews and 63 great-nieces and great-nephews, extended family Amron Jackson, Omar Allen, Marika Amrine and dear friends.

Harlen Brown's legacy of love, laughter, and strength will live on in all who knew and loved him.