TOPEKA — Stanley D. Brown, 83, died Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021, at Stormont-Vail Hospital, Topeka, after a short bout with cancer.
He was born Jan. 2, 1938, in a farmhouse near Milo, in Lincoln County, the son of Charles and Jean (Duncan) Brown. He graduated from Mulvane High School and later Emporia State University.
Stan married Carol Ann Olson in 1960. They raised three children, Bruce, Brenda (Nichols), and Barry. There are many memories of car trips, which included stopping by roadside attractions and opportunities to learn Kansas history. Carol died in 2004.
He became a high school social studies teacher and coach at several small schools around Kansas, including North Heights, Chase, Clifton, Lebo and Hartford. He also coached football. He later earned a master’s degree in School Psychology from Emporia State, and worked as a school psychologist for 25 years with Three Lakes Educational Cooperative in the Osage City and Lyndon areas. After retirement, he continued to work in the Osage City school system as an educator in classrooms for youth with challenging behaviors. He positively impacted the lives of thousands of children and young people through his teaching and coaching. He was also a man of Christian faith and was involved in church activities.
Stan married Shirley Davis in January 2008, in Topeka. He and Shirley lived an active life, living at the McCrite Plaza Senior Community in recent years. They went on organized trips and family vacations. Together they attended the First Baptist Church and were involved with many activities, including Topeka JUMP (Justice Unity and Ministry Project).
He was an avid walker and could often be seen walking or jogging the grounds at McCrite, using the treadmill machine or making trips up and down the stairs. He was good at engaging in conversation with anyone. He continued to enjoy short trips with his grandsons to Royals games and the like.
Stan was proud of his children, their accomplishments, and their character. He lit up when seeing any of the five grandchildren, David Nichols, Daniel Nichols, Bethanie Atkinson, Megan Barnard and Kaitlyn Brown, as well as his five great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed spending time with Shirley’s family, including all of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Jean Brown; two brothers, James and Charles; and his wife, Carol.
Stan is survived by his loving wife, Shirley, Topeka; his children, Bruce Brown (Julie), Fort Walton Beach, Fla., Brenda Nichols (Dan), Emporia, and Barry Brown, Melvern; a brother, Jon Brown (Judy), Lawrence; and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He will be missed by many. He had many friends. He made a difference in this world.
Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 29, at the First Baptist Church, 3033 Southwest MacVicar Avenue, Topeka. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until service time at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to McCrite Plaza in memory of Stanley Brown, 1608 S.W. 37th St., Topeka, KS 66611.
Condolences may be left at FeltnerFuneralHome.com.
