Funeral services will be held for Charles Arthur Brown, 81, of Chickasha at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 22, 2013, in the Bible Baptist Church with Kim Hayes officiating.
Charlie graduated from Chickasha High School in 1949. He served as President and Secretary of the Oklahoma State Future Farmers of America (FFA). In 1950, he received two degrees in the FFA – American Farmer and Star Farmer. In 1978, he received the Honorary State Farmer degree. Grand Champion Steers at State Fairs in Oklahoma in 1948 and the Chicago International in 1950 were memorable events for him. Charlie was a strong supporter of agriculture and the FFA, a major influence in Charlie’s life.
He began his career as a district manager for the Oklahoma Soil Conservation Service. In 1960, Charlie attended the Walter Britten Auction School to become an auctioneer. Charlie and Billy Walker were two of the first auctioneers at the Oklahoma National Stockyards. “The Daily Market Report” broadcasts on WKY Radio for the Stockyards were given by Charlie.
In 1961, he and his wife, Rena, formed Charlie Brown Auction Company, servicing livestock auctions as well as real estate, farm machinery, estate and benefit auctions. Benefit auctions included Grady and Stephens County Youth Livestock Premium sales, FFA Student auctions and Altrusa Club Christmas Tree auctions.
Charlie and Don Kniss started Oklahoma Auction Services, the first regular cattle sale in Chickasha, OK. In 1972, Charlie built Oklahoma Auction Center in Chickasha, OK, which is currently the site of OK Cow Sales.
Charlie was an auctioneer, cattle rancher, farmer, an avid hunter and fisherman, and a real estate broker. He loved the land and cattle and knew them well. He took great pleasure beginning each auction sharing his thoughts.
He was a positive thinker and found value in people and life’s journey. He was a man of word and action. He would often find a worthwhile cause and create a way to inspire others (friends attending his auctions know this).
Charlie sincerely enjoyed being with his friends and family. He celebrated his life and touched many people in it, making them a part of the adventure.
Charlie married Rena Laverne Murphy, beloved wife, in September, 1957. They made their home in Chickasha, OK.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Rena, his parents, Alvin and Myrtle Brown. His father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charles Toga and Emma Jean Murphy. His sister-in-law, Xandra Brown.
Survivors include: Howard Brown, brother, of Green Valley, AZ. Jon Brown, son, and wife, Shelli, of Alex, OK. Kim Brown Green, daughter, and Duane Smith, of Blanchard, OK. Two granddaughters: Nicole Brown Wheeler, and husband Will, of Chickasha, OK. Kristin Brown of Edmond, OK. Grandson: Brandon Green of Blanchard, OK. Two Nieces: Julie Orbanosky, and husband, Craig, of Longmont, CO. Sheri Dawn Brown, of Bowling Brooke, IL. Nephews: Hal Brown, and wife Becky, of Littleton, CO. Mike Murphy, and wife, Debbie, of Oklahoma City, OK. Tim Murphy, and wife, Lou, of Amarillo, TX. Craig Murphy of Cleveland, OK. Brother-in-law, Pat Murphy of Muskogee, OK. Many relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers, Charlie would appreciate charitable contributions to the charity of your choice.
Interment will be held in Fairlawn Cemetery under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home.