Arthur G. Brown Obituary

Arthur Gale Brown, a longtime resident of St. Johns, died peacefully, surrounded by his family on April 6, 2023 after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 66 years old.

Art was born on May 23, 1956 in Lansing, Michigan to Robert and Esther (Rademacher) Brown. He grew up in the Lansing/Dewitt area and was a 1974 graduate of St. Johns High School. Art went on to work nearly thirty years with General Motors until his retirement in 2006. Following his retirement from GM, he joined DLB Construction where he worked as a carpenter and jack-of-all-trades for over 10 years. He was a member of St Joseph Catholic Church in St Johns, MI for several years.

Known as "the Bull", Art lived life to the fullest, and throughout life's challenges he kept a positive attitude as he forged ahead. The same way he always tackled any task at hand - with grit, determination, and perseverance, the Bull fought his cancer ferociously until the very end. He leaned heavily on his faith in Christ in the good times and the bad. He gave his very best to everything he did. This was exemplified by his service to others. He was always willing to help anybody in need. Whether you needed help moving, installing a new roof, fixing your car, a safe place to stay for the night, a listening ear, life advice, or just a giant hug, he was always there for every one of us. His heart was never too full to give to others.

Art was a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous and celebrated 12 years of sobriety prior to his passing. He mentored many people on their paths to sobriety both as a sponsor, and as a friend. He chaired AA meetings at the Clinton County Jail and various other venues. Art was elated when people were living their best lives and staying sober. He was also a member of the VFW Men's Auxiliary Post 701 in Lansing, where he could be found volunteering his time, making omelets every other Sunday, giving back to those who sacrificed so much for us.

Art had a love of the outdoors, and in November you might've found him in a deer blind in the morning, and on the golf course in the afternoon, if weather permitted. He was incredibly competitive and loved taking nickels from his brothers while winning at golf. Art loved his family immensely and was no happier than when spending time with all of us. His greatest joy of all, though, was spending time with his grandchildren. He loved playing and talking with them, as well as watching their orchestra recitals and sporting events. Art was the loudest spectator in the stands at every one of their events. Games will never be as lively as they were when Grandpa was in the stands.

He is survived by his son, Travis Brown; favorite daughter-in-law, Grace (Mpamira) Brown: grandchildren, Maxwell and Marleigh Brown; his chosen daughter, Alicia Drake and chosen grandsons, Johnathon French, Anthony, Warren and Isaiah Drake; thirteen siblings, Linda (Russ) Mack, Robert (Carolyn) Brown, Dale (Sherralyn) Brown, Danny (Rickie) Brown, Sue Eiseler (and friend Allan Winters), Cindy (Mike) Sharp, Leanne (Bob) Toman, Mary Ellen (Joe) Brown, Marcia Brown, Gloria (Ron) Morris, Colleen (Tim) Bellingar, Carol (Troy) Wood, and Geno Brown, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his brother George Brown, biological father Robert Brown, step father Eugene Brown, mother Esther (Rademacher) Brown, sister-in-law Debbie Brown, brothers-in-law Jim Brown and Gary Eiseler, and nieces Shanae and Geneva Brown.

The Brown family would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the staff at Karmanos Cancer Center at McLaren Greater Lansing, as well as McLaren Palliative Care and Hospice for their care and support over the past year. We would also like to thank Art's family and friends for their love, prayers, and support since his diagnosis. Our hearts are full of gratitude for each and every one of you.

Memorial Visitation will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Pkwy, St. Johns on Friday, April 21, 2023 from 4 — 8 PM, Rosary and Time of Sharing at 6:30 PM.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 109 Linden St, St Johns on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 11 AM. A luncheon will follow.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the City Rescue Mission of Lansing.

For further information, phone McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel at 989-224-4422.