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Jesse Ellison Brown, Sr., born July 14, 1937, in West Virginia, passed away peacefully in San Antonio, Texas on June 16, 2024. Jesse's extraordinary life began when he was born at home in Pool, West Virginia. He attended high school in East Bank, graduating in 1955, before starting work at a power plant and later pursuing education at West Virginia Institute of Technology. In 1958, Jesse married his beloved wife Mary, embarking on a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion. After enlisting in the Army in 1959, Jesse began a distinguished military career, rising through the ranks to earn a commission as an officer in the chemical corps in 1963. His service included worldwide deployments, including a tour in the Vietnam War. He later continued his academic pursuits, earning a Master's in Business Administration from Tulane University in 1969. He held various teaching and administrative positions throughout his military career, notably at the University of Nevada in Reno and at the Adjutant General's Office in Washington D.C. and Korea. Jesse concluded his military career as the club management officer at Fort Sam Houston in 1979 before transitioning to a successful tenure at the United States Postal Service where he worked until his retirement in 1999. After that, when asked what he did he would reply, “I just do my best to spoil my grandchildren.” Beyond his professional achievements, Jesse's greatest joy was his family. He cherished his role as a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife of over 65 years, Mary; daughters Mindy (Greg) Coyne, and Jennifer (Dan) Reynard, Grandchildren Daniel (Andria)Scarbrough, Molly (Russell) Ilse, Sydney, and Lauren Reynard; and Great-grandchildren Ellison, Luke, and Allie. He is preceded in death by his son, Jesse Brown, Jr., and former high school teammate, Jerry West. Jesse was a man of unwavering optimism and resilience. His positive attitude and determination were evident throughout his life, including his brave, thirteen-year battle with lung cancer which he faced with courage and determination. Jesse Brown, Sr. leaves a legacy of integrity and perseverance and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A service conducted with full military honors to celebrate Jesse's life will be held at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, Shelter # 5 on June 26, 2024, at 10:45 AM. Flowers may be sent to 624 N. Alamo San Antonio, TX 78215 or donations can be made to the Dementia Society of America.

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Jesse Ellison Brown

July 14, 1937 - June 16, 2024