Charles E. Brown III '66

MSgt Charles Edward Brown III, (retired USAF) age 69, Round Rock, Texas died February 13, 2018, after battling congestive heart failure and COPD. He was born a 3# infant on May 18, 1948 at Lackland AFB, in San Antonio. Charles E. Brown III was the son of Dorothy Caldwell Brown and C. E. Brown Jr. of Hearne. Against all odds, he thrived and became a 6’2” giant of a man, broad in the shoulders, a brain ready to absorb every tidbit of knowledge and a heart brimming with love and compassion for God, family and country.  

He joined the USAF on September 26, 1967 after graduating from Hearne High School until he retired on August 31, 1990 in Austin Texas. His tours of duty included two stints in Korea, The Pueblo Incident, and Thailand, earning him the Expeditionary Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Vietnam Campaign Medal as well as other awards. He loved working on the pneudraulic systems of the F-105 and F-4 jets and teaching others how to reach their full potential. After he retired, he worked at Abbott Laboratories. He was a life member in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8787.  

Charlie, as he was known to his friends, married his long-time sweetheart and embraced her children as his own. His sister, Shirley Ann Cox and his parents, Dorothy Caldwell Brown and C. E. Brown Jr. preceded him in death. Grieving his loss are his sons, Brian Everett, Alan Sheridan, Jeremy Gardner; and daughter Pamela Smith-Brown. Then later, another name – he was grandpa and spoiling grandkids was his game plan. Now, he had granddaughters, Brandi Sheridan, Courtney Smith, Michelle Price; grandsons, Joshua Akridge, Mitchell Sheridan, Eric Nelson, “Tank” (Anthony), Dedtran and Mike to grace him with unending joy. But then came GREATS, the happiness increased tenfold. Lillie, Stevie, Addyson and Emma provided him with laughter and hope for the future.  

Charlie embraced life. He lived, and breathed fishing, camping, hunting, guns, woodworking, a Dallas Cowboys diehard and all gadgets. He was a genius when it came to engineering. Charles Brown was a man of integrity, a man you could trust, with a giving heart.  

Thanks to his loyal friends Tim Lyon, Bob Haapanen, Leon Ullrich, Pat Carran and Terry Dees. Other family members loved by Charlie included Brother- in laws, Paul Smith and Larry Barton with his wife, Leslie with sons, Michael and Drew and daughter, Sarah Jane. He also has friends and cousins in and around Hearne, Caldwell County, and Houston. Thanks also to the caring doctors and nurses at Seton Heart Transplant Center. Their continued care gave him a quality of life and a spark of hope. Thank you to Lorie, his weekly “Be Healthy at Home” nurse who encouraged healthy living and expertise. Harbor Hospice provided him the peace and release from pain that he sought at the end. Services at United Christian Church, 3500 West Parmer Lane, Austin, Texas on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. Meeting with friends and family immediately following (3:00 p.m.) at VFW Post 8787, 500 VFW Road, Austin Texas. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to UCC.