Gene Allen Brown
Gene Allen Brown (aka Grandpa & Papa G), 80 years old of Marlin, hung up his tool belt and climbed his ladder one last time up to Heaven on Oct. 27, 2021.
Celebration of Life was held on Oct. 31 at the First Baptist Church, 309 Coleman Street, Marlin, with the Reverend Judson Strawbridge officiating. The family received family and friends one hour before the service. Interment followed in Criswell Cemetery with Masonic Rites.
Gene was born on June 22, 1941, in Milam County Texas to P.J. and Hazel (Barnes) Brown. He leaves a Huge Hole in our Hearts as we were always entertained by his stories. “Don’t ever let the Truth stand in the way of a good Story,” he would say.
Gene was always laughing and smiling and the life of every party. He will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, inventor, ufologyst, and best of all a friend. Gene has Never Met a Stranger. You were immediately his friend then quickly promoted to his best friend. Gene was the kind of friend who would do anything for anybody, anytime of the day or night.
Growing up he worked in the family business Brown Radio and TV. Later Gene expanded the business into Gene Brown Electric. There wasn’t anything he could not fix. Gene’s words of wisdom: “all you need is duct tape, baling wire, and to hold your mouth just right.”
Gene met and married Nelda Stone on Oct. 20, 1961. To their union, they were blessed with three wonderful children and many, many, dogs, cats, Ms. Guinea, and a few stray possums.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Louise Hegefeld.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Nelda Brown of Marlin; children, Deanna Wahlgren and husband David of Leander, Jeffery Brown and wife Amy of Elgin, and Randel Brown and wife Rose of Riesel; brother, Larry Brown and wife Mary Jane of Lorena; grandchildren, Justin Holdbrook, George Garza, Jennifer Garza, Morgan Mimms, William Mimms, and Wesley Brown; great-grandchildren, Aubrey Lynn Holdbrook, Emersyn Garza, and Bellamy Garza; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Serving as pallbearers Austin Brown, Barry Brown, William Mimms, Gary Stone, Koy Stone, Sam Stone, Tom Stone and David Wahlgren. Honorary pallbearers include Eddie Hamilton, Lenny Lawson, Bill McGuire, David Stewart and Michael Milnes.