Melvin Albert Brown died at his home on Sept. 8, 2023. He was born on June 26, 1945, in Belfast, Ireland, while his father was stationed there during World War II. He was later adopted by Willard and Florence Brown.

Mel attended Aurora High School in Aurora, Colorado, and then earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Sterling College where he was the quarterback on the football team.

He married Marlene Giebler in 1969, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays, Kansas. To this union three sons were born, Patrick, Chad and Scott.

Mel started his teaching and coaching career in Chase, Kansas. After two years, he was drafted and proudly served as a military police officer in Panama where he received various medals and three commendation letters. Once released, he began teaching and coaching in Mankato, Kansas. He taught science, math, geography, business and computer science. He coached basketball and football and was proud of his former players. He retired from teaching and coaching in 2001. Mel took pride in his military service and joined the National Guard, serving from 1978 to 1993 and then serving on the color guard for the American Legion in Jewell, Kansas

He was a member of the St. Theresa Catholic Church in Mankato, Kansas, the Knights of Columbus, and the American Legion in Jewell, Kansas.

Mel built his family home in 1976. He delivered meals on wheels and enjoyed his coffee groups. He loved sports, from playing and coaching, to watching the Nebraska Cornhuskers and announcing at local football games. Most of all, he loved his family. He enjoyed time with and facetiming his grandchildren.

Mel will be missed by his wife, Marlene Brown of Mankato, Kansas; sons: Chad Brown of Mankato, Kansas, and Scott (Rashele) Brown of Marysville, Kansas; grandchildren: Kenley Holle, Drew Brown and Lincoln Brown; sister, Judy (Dean) Cluett of Nova Scotia, Canada; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a son, Patrick Carter Brown.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Tunnel to Towers in care of the funeral home.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m., on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Mankato, Kansas. Burial will follow at St. Theresa Catholic Cemetery in Mankato, Kansas. Visitation will be from 1 to 8 p.m. today (Thursday) Sept. 14, at Melby Mortuary with family greeting friends from 6 to 8 p.m.

Melby Mortuary of Mankato is assisting the Brown family with these arrangements, http://www.melbymortuary. com