Dr. Mike Brown

Dr. Mike J. Brown, 72, of Englewood, Fla., formerly of Cape Girardeau, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012, at his home.

He was born Jan. 13, 1940, in Memphis, Tenn., son of Mike Jones and Lucy Byrd Brown.

In 1975, he and Dianne Caldwell were married; she survives him, along with their daughter, Samantha (Scott) Rhodes of Cape Girardeau. He is also survived by three sons, Mike III, Ramon and Timothy (Sheila), all of the Memphis area. Loving survivors also include a sister, Olivia Colston of Holly Springs, Miss., and three brothers, Eugene (Joyce) and Bobby, both of Caddo Gap, Ark., and Tommy (Janet) of Oakland, Tenn. He is also survived by two treasured grandchildren, Annabelle and Addison Rhodes.

Mike graduated from Treadwell High School in Memphis, Tenn. He spent his professional career in health care, having earned a bachelor's degree from Memphis State University in 1962 and a doctorate of medicine from the University of Tennessee in Memphis in 1966. He completed his internship at Wilford Hall U.S. Air Force Hospital in San Antonio, a residency in urology at the University of Tennessee Hospital and a residency in diagnostic radiology at Methodist Hospital in Memphis. He fulfilled fellowships at Temple University in Philadelphia and Methodist Hospital in Memphis.

Mike began his medical career in general practice before finding his true calling as a radiologist. He joined Cape Radiology Group in 1982, eventually serving as president from July 1995 through June 2003. During his tenure as president, he led the practice through the transition of tele-radiology while expanding the group, including the design and construction of its current facility at 70 Doctors' Park. He worked for Cape Radiology Group until his retirement in November 2011.

He was a member of the American College of Radiology, the American Medical Association, Cape Girardeau County Area Medical Society, Missouri Radiological Society and Radiological Society of North America.

Mike was very proud of his military service to our country. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1965 to 1970, earning the rank of captain. He served in Vietnam, receiving the Bronze Star for his tour of duty. He served as a commander in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1986 to 1991, serving in Desert Storm. He was awarded the Kuwait Liberation Medal for his service.

Mike had many passions in his life besides medicine. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and fine wine. But his true love was spending time with his friends and family.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church, with Rev. Paul Short officiating. Interment will be at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund Inc.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.