Alvin F. Brown, Sr. of Peoria, Arizona, passed away peacefully at his home on June 6, 2017 at 5:14 a.m.
The funeral service will be held on June 20, 2017 at 8:00 a.m. at Hansen Mortuary Desert Hills, 6500 E. Bell Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Viewing will be held immediately prior to the service between 7:00 a.m. and 7:45 a.m. Burial will follow the funeral atArizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery at Marana, 15950 N. Luckett Rd., Marana, AZ 85653 at 11 a.m. where a 20-minute military salute will be given.
Alvin F. Brown, Sr., was born in Globe, AZ, on July 12, 1926. He graduated fromHayden High School in 1944. He fought for freedom in World War II from 1944 to 1946 in Germany. He received the European, African, and Middle Eastern Ribbon and Victory Medal. He also received an honorary ring for his contribution in capturing the bridge at Remagen. Company B, 309th Infantry Regiment 78th Division, 7th Army (Lightening Brigade). Rifleman 745. Marksman rifle. Once out of the Army he continued his education and earned a degree in refrigeration and air conditioning.
Alvin worked as an electrician and General Superintendent for Magma Copper Minesfor an accumulative 36 years. He enjoyed working with his hands and problem solving. He played guitar and sang. He had a voice like an angel. He was active in serving Jesus throughout his lifetime, going where God sent him without fear or doubt. He described himself as a “peacemaker.” He enjoyed traveling and being “free.” Camping, bed rolls, tackling the impossible job, or helping a relative or neighbor! He had a great sense of humor and an eye for beauty. He was loved and respected by his large family and by those in the community wherever he was, be it Mammoth, Oracle, Tucson, Glendale, or Peoria. Wherever Alvin found himself, be it at work, in church, singing to shut-ins, or rehabilitating from his own stroke in 2015, he was witnessing telling people about Jesus.
Alvin was predeceased by his bold and beautiful missionary partner, his wife, Janie R.E. Brown. They were married 60 years and were blessed with 5 children: Shirley Brown (deceased), Barbara O’Barr, Terry Talley, Karen Graham, and Fred Brown.
Alvin is survived by his loving and devoted wife Darlene K. Brown. They were married 7 years. He was blessed with 2 step-children from this marriage, Jennifer Hatcher and William Tinlin IV.
Alvin is survived by 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 8 step-grandchildren.
Alvin is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Elaine Brown; and predeceased by his sister, Winnie Kleinsasser.
Family is asking in lieu of flowers contributions be made to Hospice of the Valley, Phoenix, Arizona.