Funeral service for Captain, United States Airforce Retired Oliver Eugene Brown, 86 of Copperas Cove, TX will be held Tuesday, November 28, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Marlboro Heights Missionary Baptist Church in Killeen, TX. Burial with full military honors will follow the service at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX.

Viewing will be held one hour prior to the service (10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.) at the church.

Mr. Brown passed away October 26, 2023, in Copperas Cove, TX.  Oliver Eugene Brown was born on May 7, 1937, in Kent, Oklahoma to the late John and Dessie Rossure Brown. At the young age of 12, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Speer, Oklahoma. Under the guidance of his parents and Pastor, he displayed great spiritual growth and was later asked to serve as a teacher and Sunday School Superintendent at the church.

As a young lad at 6 years old, he began his education at Speer Separate Elementary School. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, in Hugo, Oklahoma in May 1954. After graduating from high school, he moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to seek employment. He worked at H.L. Green Co. for one year and later as an associate at the famous El Charrito Restaurant.

In March 1959 he enlisted in the United States Air Force and began training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. After training he was assigned to the 350th Combat Support Group, Bunker Hill Air Force Base in Peru, Indiana. In this assignment he worked as a Chaplain Services Specialist. He felt right at home assisting military personnel with their daily concerns.

The next assignment he traveled to Izmir, Turkey. While there he was able to travel to many places he had read and studied about from the Bible, including the Seven Churches. After returning to the States and being assigned to Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, his career took a major turn for good. His Commander saw great character and potential in him to excel and encouraged him to apply for the Bootstrap Commissioning Program (BCP). He completed requirements for his BS degree at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. After graduation he attended the USAF Officer Training School and received his Commission as an officer. He continued his education and received a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Arizona State University.

He served the remainder of his career as an Executive Support Officer and an Administration Management Officer at several locations. Randolph Air Force Base (AFB), TX., Security Service, San Antonio, TX., Kwang Ju AFB in Korea, and Lackland AFB, TX. Oliver served his country for 22 years, 10 years in the enlisted rank and 12 years as an officer. He retired honorably in 1981 as a Captain .03.

Oliver earned several awards during his military career. The National Defense Service medal, small arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with 1 Bronze Star, Air Force (AF) Longevity Service Award with 4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, AF Outstanding Unit Award, AF Good Conduct Medal with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal and the AF Commendation Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters. After retiring from the Air Force, he joined the Civil Service workforce at Fort Hood, TX. He worked as the Combined Federal Campaign/Army Emergency Relief Project Officer from 1983-1986. With his dedication, support, and personal community involvement he saw increased participation in the campaigns. In 1985 results were over $563,000. He received several Commanders Awards for Excellent Civilian Service.

Oliver continued to work to own his own business and attended real estate classes while on active duty. He purchased four properties and started his rental business under Brown & Associates. The purchase of additional properties followed. He and his wife Ophelia developed a network marketing business and were recognized for continued success at the state and national levels. He is a member of the Sigma Iota Epsilon Management Fraternity and was especially proud to be an active member of the American Legion Department of NC Post 73.

In 1983 Oliver and Ophelia (his wife of 42 years) united with the Marlboro Heights Missionary Baptist Church. He loved Sunday School and the Brotherhood and soon started to teach in these ministries. He was a dedicated and committed servant to the teaching ministry. He served as Assistant Director of Christian Education and Superintendent of Sunday School. Vacation Bible School was also a favorite ministry of his. He was faithful in attending many institutes weekly ministries as well as Saturday morning study.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dessie Brown, Mother Rosie Brown (stepmother from age 10 and up), son Oliver Brown Jr., 7 brothers (Billy Earl, Ardell, Otis, Leon, Winzell, Willie and Rev. John Brown Jr.), 4 sisters (Vera, Arlene, Mary and Patricia), 2 stepbrothers (CV and Billy Sam), 9 stepsisters (Gracie, Gloria Helen, Wilma, Arlene, Willie Mae, Essie, Frankie and Exelonia).

He leaves to mourn his loving wife, Ophelia Dorsenia Blyther Brown; two daughters, Gerri Brown Brewster (Brian) of Phoenix, Arizona, and Crystal Brown of Copperas Cove, Texas; daughter-in-law, Debbie Brown of the Philippines; two sons, Robin Brown (Lynn) of Phoenix, Arizona and Christopher Brown of Copperas Cove, Texas; four grandchildren, Michael Carter (Tiera) of Melissa, Texas, Zahmarr Brown of San Antonio, Texas, Kruise Brewster of Phoenix, Arizona and Sarina Brown McClinton (Brendon) of Lewisville, Texas; two sisters, Lossie Mae Grant of Omaha, Nebraska and Thelma Mackintosh of Hugo, Oklahoma. A special sister-in-law, JoAnn Blyther of Fayetteville, North Carolina. Three sisters-in-law, Phyllis Blyther, Pamela Blyther and Joyce Faye Ingram, all of North Carolina. One brother-cousin, Lonnie P. Blyther (Bobbie) of Baltimore, Maryland. A brother-in-law McEverett Ferguson of North Carolina. One aunt, Lucealus (Robinson) McWhorter of Irwinton, Georgia. Three special nieces, Wilma Brown Smith (Bennie) of Killeen, Texas, Sjabreiah Shakembre Blyther of Fayetteville, North Carolina, and Tiawanna Coley (Kirk) of Fort Rucker, Alabama. Devoted friends, Freddy Simpson and Felton Sanders (Johnnie) of Killeen, Texas.  A special business partner and family friend Rose Chinn of San Antonio, Texas.  Also, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.