OVERBROOK — John Wesley Brown, 74, Overbrook, died Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021.
He was born Jan. 26, 1947, in Atwood, the first child of Melvin and Betty (Trail) Brown. He started his childhood in Atwood before moving to Topeka with his family, where he attended Highland Park High School. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966 and remained in the service until 1968.
John worked for the State of Kansas for over 45 years in IT as a programmer. Throughout his life, he was known for his daredevil ways, wit and humor. He was always pranking and joking with friends and family. He had a great love for fire and fireworks, and will always be remembered for his 16K firecracker finales on July 4, which was his favorite holiday.
In his spare time, John could be found fishing, reading a Western book, working in his yard, watching old Westerns and war movies, and playing with the kids in his life. He never met a stranger, and was always stopping to chat with someone he knew, regardless of where he was.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Betty (Trail) Brown; a granddaughter, Angel Brown; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
He is survived by his wife, Connie, of the home; his children, Shawn Brown, Mike Brown (Rene), and Kim Brown (Betany), all of Topeka; his brothers, Lee Brown (Teresa) and Marion Brown (Carol), both of Topeka; his sister, Jody Pellerin (David), Rockwall, Texas; his grandchildren, Tanner Brown, Kaelyn Brown, Zane Riley-Brown, and a granddaughter due in October, all of Topeka; two great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; his uncle, Ray Trail (Rosa), Atwood; and his aunts, Verlaine Hirsch, Texas, Faye Trail, Minnesota, and Ellen Trail, Oklahoma.
A private graveside service is being held for immediate family. A come-and-go celebration of life service will be 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, Topeka. All are welcome and encouraged to attend and celebrate John’s life and share in the things that brought him joy. Masks are required.
John had a soft spot for helping children in need, and Shriners Hospitals for Children was near and dear to his heart because of the tremendous care and services their St. Louis campus provide to his beloved grandson, Zane (John 2.0).
Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children. Donations can be made online at LoveToTheRescue.org, via telephone at (844) 739-0849, or by check by downloading the offline donation form at LoveToTheRescue.org and mailing it to Shriners Hospitals for Children, c/o Donor Relations, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607.
Dove Cremations and Funerals – Southwest Chapel is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be left at DoveTopeka.com.
