Melvin "Mel" Albert Brown

Melvin Albert Brown passed away at his home on September 8, 2023.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, September 15, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Mankato, Kansas. Burial will follow at St. Theresa Catholic Cemetery in Mankato, Kansas with The Big Red One, Ft Riley, Kansas and American Legion Post 72, Jewell, Kansas providing military honors. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at Melby Mortuary with family greeting friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

He was born on June 26, 1945 in Belfast, Ireland while his father was stationed there during World War II. He was later adopted by Willard and Florence Brown.

Mel attended Aurora High School in Aurora, Colorado and then earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Sterling College where was the quarterback on the football team.

He married Marlene Giebler in 1969 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays, Kansas. To this union three sons were born, Patrick, Chad, Scott.

Mel started his teaching and coaching career in Chase, Kansas. After two years he was drafted and proudly served as a Military Police Officer in Panama where he received various medals and three commendation letters. Once released, he began teaching and coaching in Mankato, Kansas. He has taught science, math, geography, business, and computer science. He coached basketball and football and was always proud of his former players. He retired from teaching and coaching in 2001. Mel took pride in his military service and joined the National Guard, serving from 1978 to 2000 and then serving on the color guard for the American Legion in Jewell, Kansas.

He was a member of the St. Theresa Catholic Church in Mankato, Kansas, the Knights of Columbus, and the American Legion in Jewell, Kansas.

Mel built his family home in 1976. He delivered meals on wheels and enjoyed his coffee groups. He loved sports, from playing and coaching, to watching the Nebraska Cornhuskers and announcing at local football games. Most of all, he loved his family. He enjoyed spending time with and facetiming his grandkids.

Mel will be missed by his wife Marlene Brown of Mankato, Kansas; sons Chad Brown of Mankato, Kansas and Scott (Rashele) Brown of Marysville, Kansas; grandchildren Kenley Holle, Drew Brown, and Lincoln Brown; sister Judy (Dean) Cluett of Nova Scotia, Canada; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a son, Patrick Carter Brown.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Tunnel to Towers in care of the funeral home.

Melby Mortuary of Mankato is assisting the Brown family with these arrangements, www.melbymortuary.com