Elton D Brown

Elton D. Brown was born on June 3, 1919 in Altus, Oklahoma to Lynn Brown and Rose (Derryberry) Brown. He passed away peacefully on July 17, 2018 at the age of 99. A viewing will be held Thursday, July 19, 2018 from 4pm-6pm at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 20, 2018 at 2:30pm at the First Christian Church with Pastor Bill Hugueley. Burial with full military honors will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Apache under direction of Crews Funeral Home.
Elton began first grade at Friendship in 1925. He came to Broxton, where he finished eleventh grade and graduated the next year. After graduating in 1937, he attended 4 semesters at Cameron where he took engineering classes. In 1940 Elton enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was hoping to become a pilot but went on to navigation school in Miami. He was the 50th cadet to register for the first navigation class for the Army Air Corp, and graduated in 1941. Elton was part of the first US troops in Newfoundland. He was a navigator on B-17s during World War II, where he flew on over 40 missions. He was a good navigator because he never got lost and always brought the plane back to base. Elton was a proud American and was proud to serve in the Air Force until his retirement in 1970. Elton married Janie Harris on July 3, 1943. They were married for 58 years before she died on May 11, 2001. They had 4 children: Susan Tredennick, Janet Startzel, James Brown, and Rosharon Price; six grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
Elton was the mayor of Apache from 1977-1987. During that time he received a grant for the Senior Center, drilled 3 water wells, and had a new water tower built. He also assisted in getting a new fire station built as well as a fire truck for the station. In addition, he helped get a barn at the park and a utility horn for the cemetery. Elton also helped get the first ambulance in Apache.
He spent 31 years on the A.S.C.O.G. Board, and was president for one year. He was a member of Elder Care and was president for 4 years. Elton always cared about his community and the welfare of others.
Elton and Yvonne Chamlee were married on September 7, 2002. Along with her family, Elton had 6 children, 8 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. They were all one great big happy family. In his later years Elton stayed busy keeping things done in the yard and around the house. He always hated when he had a doctor’s appointment that would disrupt his plans! Yvonne says she was blessed to have Elton in her life. He was a wonderful husband whom she loved dearly and he will be greatly missed.
Honorary pallbearers will be: Jeff Brown, Corbin Brown, Owen Tredennick, Daniel Gawlik, Derik Gawlik, David Bavousett, Brian Startzel, Greg Startzel

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