John Walter Brown passed away peacefully at the age of 99 on April 22, 2026 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

John was born in Tulsa on July 4, 1926 to Amelia (Millie) and John Brown. He was the second to youngest of 7 children.

He always had a strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial drive. From a young age he had multiple paper routes, flipped bicycles by buying and fixing them up, shipping and selling them for profit.

He attended Holy Family Cathedral School until moving with his family, and eventually ended up in Ft. Smith Arkansas where his dad managed movie theaters. He graduated high school in 1944 and joined the Army.

He began serving in the US Army 11th Airborne Division during World War II, stationed in Japan. John loved his time in Japan, with amazing stories he regaled us with over the years. As more details were revealed, some of which his granddaughter, Stephanie, would cringe as he repeated stories with a grin. Ornery.

Returning from the war, to where his parents were living in Ft. Smith, he met his future wife, Terry Mae Owen. After taking some time off, he started work at American Airlines in Tulsa in 1948.

He wed his soul mate, Terry Mae on January 14, 1950 and moved her to Tulsa. They wanted to get married on Valentine's Day, but the church was booked so they moved it up one month to still be married at the Immaculate Conception Church in Ft. Smith. Later, the couple welcomed two children, Sherry Ann and Daniel Charles.

During his tenure at American, John, Terry, Sherry, Danny, family friend Ed, and eventually Stephanie, took various trips to Hawaii. His ability to fly easily gave them opportunities to spend lots of time in the Islands. These are treasured memories for all.

John, after 33 years, retired from American Airlines in 1983 as Crew Chief of Receiving, where he led a team of around 40 members. This retirement gave him more time to work in their successful ceramic shop, "Ceramic Corner", which they had for over 18 years. They then closed the ceramic shop so they could travel on their RV.

Grand Lake remained a favorite location for the family, and does to this day. Sherry turned her dad on to the 'boating life' in her teens and they never looked back. The lake is a large part of everyone's life. John embraced boating, and eventually had three different cabin cruisers. Often seen with a Captain's hat, drink in hand and a sly smile on his face. Although they maintained a busy business life, John and Terry made time for fun on their cruisers. Later, they sold the cruiser and began exploring the country in their RV. Lake trips would also take place in their RV, the first RV being named BB (Brown's Bungalow). Pigeon Forge, Tennessee then became their favorite go to place. Their adventures were topics of conversation around the table, often with a Crown and Seven, or a "Haskell Drink', consisting of Southern Comfort and Coke.

Through their RV travels, their entrepreneurial endeavors struck again, creating "Pot Pockets", hand sewn pockets to place pots and pans in people's travel trailers. These were a hit, being sold nationwide, distributed through Camping World stores and catalogs.

John enjoyed storytelling, playing cards, board games, playing pool, hobby trains, woodworking, traveling, being at the lake, making fudge, and so much more. He and Danny played countless hours of cards. He and Sherry talked on the phone every night. John was a help to his whole family. He often helped Stephanie build frames for her art and fired her ceramics. He never hesitated to give his advice. Later we realize we should have taken it more often.

He is survived by his children, daughter Sherry Ellis and husband John, his son Daniel Brown and wife Lynette, five grandchildren, Stephanie Medlin and husband Dave, Brenden Brown, Kimberly Ellis, Weston Brown and Jeremy Brown, and great granddaughter Khloie Ellis. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Terry.

During his 99 years, John lived a full life. He heavily influenced everyone in his life to become better individuals. His family is beyond thankful for having the chance to have had this long with him, as his presence was the greatest blessing. He was a wonderful father, Papa, and friend. John is greatly loved and will be tremendously missed.