Charles Anthony Brown

Charles Anthony (Chuck) Brown was born on August 11, 1943, at Watonga, Oklahoma, to Albert Franklin Brown and Darlie Dellie (Davis) Brown and passed away on October 12, 2024, at the age of 81.  He was baptized into Christ as an adult after moving to Enid, Oklahoma.

He grew up in the small town of Southard, Oklahoma on a dirt road known to the locals as “Dirty Seven.”  There were seven houses on that road and most residents were of modest income.  Chuck’s family had no indoor plumbing and showered at the Southard community building.  He was the youngest child, having one brother, Doug, and four sisters Ruby, Thelma, Frankie and Marie.  He never had to want for anything because his sisters would carry him around and cater to his every need.  He had the best life and memories of his childhood on that dirt road.  He attended Southard Public Schools until the school closed and then attended Canton Public Schools though his junior year making many lifelong friends.  A few were able to attend his 80th birthday celebration last year.  He moved to Watonga in 1960, upgrading to a house with indoor plumbing.  He graduated from Watonga High School in 1961.  While there he met his sweetheart, Glenda Ivins and married her on August 18, 1961.  In April 1962, they welcomed their first child, Shelly Renee Brown, and in September 1964, a son, Charles Anthony Brown II.  He raised his family on a farm northwest of Watonga.  They had a good life and enjoyed spending time with both Chuck and Glenda’s siblings, including weekly card games with Marlin and Frankie Jo Ivins and Jody and Marie Smith.  They lived within three miles of each other, and they felt making family time was the best.  He began working at a young age at the USG company community store.  After his move to Watonga, Chuck worked at Safeway grocery store and helped his father-in-law, Wayne Ivins, on the farm.  He also sold cars at the local Chevrolet dealership and served as the tag agent for a while.  Chuck then began a long career working for the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.  He was a Pipeline Safety Specialist and served as District Manager overseeing several counties before retiring.  He loved spending time with his family and friends traveling to new places and familiar places like the family’s annual trips to Red River, NM.  His hobbies include bowling in weekly leagues and traveling to many tournaments.  He enjoyed fishing and loved living on the 10-acre parcel in North Enid that had a pond.  It allowed him to fish anytime or even everyday if he desired.  He became a 32 Degree Mason in 1975 and was currently a member of the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma, A.F. & A.M. of the State of Oklahoma, Fairview, Oklahoma.  Chuck and Glenda divorced after 25 years of marriage.  He moved to Enid and unexpectedly fell in love with his next-door neighbor, Lova J. (Rutledge) Millard.  Chuck and Lova were married on July 17, 1993, and were married for 31 wonderful years until his death.  They traveled to many places and enjoyed spending time together and with family.  In fact, they hosted several family reunions at their home in North Enid. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Charles Anthony Brown II; his brother Arthur Douglas Brown; his four sisters, Ruby Hurley and husband J.R., Thelma Louise Espinosa, Anne Francis James and Marie Smith and husband Jody; father and mother-in-law, Wayne and Laverne Ivins; father and mother-in-law Calvin and Betty Rutledge; brother and sister-in-law Marlin and Frankie Jo Ivins; niece, Marla Jo Clifton, and son-In-law, Peter Aaron Herod.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Lova J. Brown of the home; a daughter Shelly Sawyer and husband, Bart; brothers-in-law Russell Rutledge and wife, Marlene; Simon Williams; and Gary Rutledge and wife Barbara.  Grandchildren D’Andra Parsons and husband Chayne; Kristen Lockhart Ashby; Dustin Brodrick and wife, Dusti Lea; Greg Brown; McKenzie Brown; Wes Sawyer; Heather Spangler; Morgan Toews and husband, Josh; Catherine Maphet and husband Kaleb.  Great-grandchildren Madison Boston and husband Jacob; Jade Lockhart; Gabe Lockhart; Ava Parsons; Alivia Parsons; James Lockhart; Hinsley Brodrick; Kayden Spangler; Jack Parsons; Kynzli Spangler; Whitley Brodrick; Levi Parsons; Clayton Toews; Keeton Maphet; Charlotte Toews; Cora Maphet; and baby girl Toews.  Great-great grandchildren Jasper Boston and Jenson Boston; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Toby Keith Foundation to assist with the support of the OK Kids Corral in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.