David E. Brown, age 78, passed away January 26, 2025, at his home in Kerrville, Texas. Services will be held at 10 AM, February 1, 2025, at St. Peter's Episcopal Church. The family will be receiving visitors at the church following the service.

David was born on September 23, 1946, in Kansas City, Kansas to Josephine Shalkowski and August Brown. While growing up, he served as an altar boy at Blessed Sacrament in Kansas City, Kansas. He graduated from Wyandotte High School in Kansas City where he enjoyed running track and building race cars.

He enlisted in the US Navy in 1965 and served his country with honor. He was deployed on his first tour of Vietnam in 1967. He served as a radioman on the USS Brenner on the open ocean. In 1968, he served his second tour of Vietnam as a gunman of a 50-caliber machine gun on an Alpha Monitor River boat. These heavily armed boats provided transport and support for the Mobile Riverine Force. They were also known as the ''River Rats'' or the ''Brown Water Navy.'' He was involved in the Tet Offensive in 1968, transporting the Mobile Riverine Force on the Mekong River when they were overrun by the North Vietnamese. During his service, he was also exposed to Agent Orange, which vastly affected his health in his later years.

David returned from Vietnam in 1969 and married the love of his life, Gail Stewart, on August 9, 1969, at Blessed Sacrament in Kansas City, Kansas. They were blessed with two sons, William David and Jay Buchanan, both born in Kansas City, Kansas.

Soon after their marriage, David began his career working for Phillips Petroleum as a stillman in the refinery in Kansas City until it closed in 1982. David moved his family to Dumas, Texas and continued his career with Phillips Petroleum. He worked in exploration and production, but his favorite job was working as a field mechanic. David retired in 2002 after 32 years. He was offered the 'golden handshake' when Phillips merged with Conoco. During their years in Dumas, David enjoyed coaching and umpiring for Little League Baseball. He also enjoyed volunteering for 4-H and FFA and he received an award recognizing his adult leadership.

After retirement, David and Gail relocated to Kerrville, Texas where David enjoyed playing golf almost daily for 10 years. He also enjoyed volunteering at the VA Hospital in Kerrville and was an usher at St. Peter's Episcopal Church.

David was preceded in death by his parents, August and Josephine Brown.

David is survived by his loving wife Gail, of the home; sons, Billy and wife Krista of Lubbock, TX, Jay and wife Stacey of Dumas, TX; grandchildren, Erica Brown of Longview, TX , Jaci Brown of Lamar, CO and Brendi Brown of Lubbock, TX; great-granddaughter, Elena of Longview, TX; sister, Barbara Shay and husband Tim of Iowa; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family requests donations to Sister Servants of Mary in Kansas City, Kansas, the local VFW #1480 or St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Kerrville.

The family would also like to give a special thank you to Peterson Hospice.

Sailor, rest your oars. We have the watch.

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