John Carlos Brown

Funeral services for John Carlos Brown, 81, of Monroe, LA, will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at Parkview Baptist Church with Dr. Lee McGlone and Rev. Lanny Turner will be officiating. Interment will follow at Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery in Monroe, LA. Visitation will be from 12:30 P.M. until time of service.

John “CARLOS” Brown, was born in Alden, Alabama July 16, 1940, to Fred and Idella Brown, and passed away Saturday, October 2, 2021, at St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe, LA. The 4th of 6 children. He spent carefree days roaming hills, playing with cousins, exploring caves, swimming in creeks and strip pits, picking berries, and excelling in studies in the two room elementary school house.

After graduating from Hueytown High School Carlos proudly entered the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves.
Upon completion of active duty, he began a successful 43 ½ year career with State Farm Insurance in Birmingham, AL. His honesty, hard work ethic, and leadership skills advanced him to Supervisor and later Meeting Planner in the Monroe office. He retired in 2002.

His compassion, sense of humor, and loyalty gathered him many friends everywhere he went.
He was a faithful and active member at Highland Park Baptist Church and Parkview Baptist Church, where he loved serving his Lord and others as a friend, teacher, deacon, greeter, sound booth technician, and on numerous committees.
Carlos married his high school sweetheart, Melba Nelms in 1959. They counted their 62 years together as a great blessing and one of their many gifts from God.

Many are left to cherish his memory. Wife, Melba; three daughters (each of whom knew she was his favorite) Carmel B. Strickland, Lori B. Crotwell (Jim), Meredyth Brown (Tony Urso);
Grandchildren, Riley Strickland, John Wesley Strickland, Reagan Crotwell, Allison Crotwell (fiancé Cody Haynes); great granddaughter, Emma Mae Strickland. Siblings, Sisters Geraldine B. Owens, Connie B. Clayton (Billy); brothers Wayne Brown (Nancy), and James Doyle Brown (Millie). Sister-in Law Doris N. Farr.
Many much loved nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

He is predeceased by parents Fred and Idella Brown, and brother and sister-in-law Frank and Ann Brown.
Some of his favorite time was spent attending the activities of his children and grandchildren.
These included school programs, sports, piano and dance recitals, nature walks, bike rides, building bird houses, fishing, and cooking great foods on the grill for them.

He also enjoyed buying then selling items from garage sales, flea markets, and Estates, watching NASCAR races on TV and, of course, ALABAMA football, Roll Tide. Carlos was a man of prayer, loved and believed God’s word, sought God’s guidance, trusted in Jesus, and lived a joyful and peaceful life. He was a man of honor. His twinkling eyes, jokes, pranks, wonderful smile, and infectious laughter spread much happiness in the world.

Carlos was a hero to his family and dearly loved. He valiantly battled serious illnesses for the past 20 years. He was compliant with diet restrictions and did not complain. He wanted to live. Last week he said, “I’m not afraid to die. I know where I’m going.”
He will be forever in our hearts. We celebrate his gain. He is healed. We weep for our loss.
This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Serving as pallbearers will be Jim Crotwell, Reagan Crotwell, Cody Haynes, Tony Urso, Riley Strickland, John Wesley Strickland, Mickey Traweek, and Allen Wise.

The family is so very grateful for the excellent care given to him by Dr. Owen Meyers, Dr. Larry Olinde, each person who ministered to his needs at the Dialysis Clinic, and the capable and compassionate staff in the ER and ICU 6th floor St. Francis Medical Center.

Memorials may be made to Parkview Baptist Church, 1001 Forsythe Ave. Monroe.

The family kindly requests you wear masks and socially distance for visitation and the service.