Howard Brown

Howard W. Brown, 88, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019, at Lutheran Home, surrounded by his family.

He was born in Morehouse, Missouri, on Sept. 21, 1930, to Herbert and Zora Jetter Brown. He and Betty Jean Blalack were married Oct. 5, 1949, in Piggott, Arkansas.

Brown was a Navy veteran of post-World War II and the Korean War, serving in China, Korea, Pearl Harbor and aboard ship at sea. Brown was also an Air Force veteran serving in the Philippines, Vietnam and the U.S. He retired after 22 years of service in the military and achieving the rank of senior master sergeant. He received many citations and medals for his service to America and the military he loved. During his military service, he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Southwestern State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma.

After military service, he was employed by the Sikeston (Missouri) School District as a teacher and administrator for eight years. During that time, he obtained a Master of Arts in Secondary Education with an emphasis in history from Southeast Missouri State University. He then went to work for Southeast Missouri State University as director of extended learning for 15 years.

He was a member of Bethany Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and an adult men's Sunday school teacher. He was a member of the American Legion, Air Force Sergeants Association and the American Military Society.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Jean Brown of Cape Girardeau; daughters, Barbara (Gary) Ryan of Sikeston and Cindi (Larry) Garrett of Cape Girardeau; granddaughter, Kristi (Keith) Chasteen of Dexter, Missouri; grandsons, Matthew Garrett of Festus, Missouri, and Adam (Angela) Garrett of Cape Girardeau; great-granddaughter, Paige Chasteen of Jonesboro, Arkansas; great-grandson, Justus Garrett, and great-granddaughter, Gemma Garrett of Cape Girardeau; and brothers, Eugene (Doris) Brown of Jackson and Kenneth Brown of St. Louis.

He was preceded in death by his parents and seven siblings.

Foremost in Howard's life was his relationship with his Savior, Jesus Christ; his family and his service to his country.

A memorial service and burial, with full military honors, will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, with Dr. Shawn Wasson officiating.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Teen Challenge.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.