Carlyle John Brown was born September 2, 1943 to Stanley and Irene Brown, both who precede him in passing.  John passed away April 29, at the University of Michigan.

John lived his life to the fullest surrounded by his family.  He leaves behind his wife of 41 years, Carlene (Stuart) Brown.  John also leaves his children; Michael (April) Brown of Riverside, MI, Richard (Jennifer) Brown of Macomb, MI and Sherry (Leon Toriz) Stuart of Watervliet.  John also has a brother Harvey Brown of Benton Harbor and a sister Penny Lewis of Nekoosa, WI.

He was the original "Papa John".  The grandchildren he leaves behind to cherish his memory are; Amanda (David) Paine, Darcy Kirby, Tori Brown, Taylor Brown, Ashley Brown, Lauren Brown, Emily Brown, Jordyn Brown, Jasmine Stenske and Crystal Stenske.  For the last nine months of his life John go to enjoy his first great grandchild Lennox Paine.

Anyone that knew John, knew he was a man that was proud of his military service. He was a member of United States Navy during the Vietnam War.  He continued to serve his fellow veterans and community as a member of VFW Post 6803 in Watervliet where he served as Chaplin, he was a member of the Coloma Legion, and the North Berrien Military Rites Honor Guard.

John retired from Bosch Braking in St. Joseph.  He also worked for several years for the Moore Theatres until he received a kidney transplant in 2017.  Even then, he could still be found at theatres visiting or getting his popcorn supply.  John was quiet, yet didn't know a stranger.  He spoke quietly but his laughter would fill a room.  John loved people and enjoyed volunteering.  To honor his memory, pay it forward.

Friends may visit with John's family, Wednesday, May 3, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet, where funeral services will be celebrated Thursday, May 4, at 11:00 AM.  Burial will follow with military rites at Watervliet Cemetery.  Donations may be made in John's memory to VFW Post 6803.  You may leave a memory for John's family at hutchinsfuneral.com