Marvin Brown

Marvin
Clifford Brown, passed away December 7, 2009 of pancreatic cancer. He was born August 15, 1931 in
Marshall, TX. Marvin lived an extremely rich and full life filled with love,
laughter, travel and more adventures than most people ever dream of
experiencing.

He lived at
the Methodist Home Orphanage from age 5 to 17. While at the orphanage he was
coached by J.M. (Jim) White. Marvin ran away from the orphanage at age 17. J.M.
White got him a scholarship at Tarleton University, where he was eventually
inducted into their Hall of Fame later in life. He was voted Best player in
Tarleton history, all conference 3 years, led the conference in rushing and punt
returns, intercepted 10 passes, most valuable player, and Jr. College All
American. He went to East Texas State on a football scholarship and was coached
by Catfish Smith who once said Marvin Brown was the greatest football player he
ever coached. He finished his education receiving his bachelors and masters in
Education (1951-1953).  While at East Texas State, Marvin received
most valuable player in the Tangerine Bowl, nationally ranked 9^th  in scoring, longest run of 107 yards in one
game, All American and All Texas College, he still owns 9 school records in
football. In track he ran the 100 in 9.5 seconds, and was All Conference in 100
and 220.

From 1953
-1956 he joined the Air Force and completed flight school in 1956, serving in
the Vietnam War from 1968-1969. Marvin played for the Detroit Lions in 1957 as
half back and kick return specialist. This is the year they won the National
Championship. He was a commercial airline pilot from 1958 until 1991, for
Braniff Airlines for 16 years and Continental Airlines for 7 years of that time.

Marvin was
also a world class tennis player. He took up tennis at age 45, he was
consistently ranked #1 in the State of Texas in Senior Divisions as well as top
10 in the Nation and top 20 in the World. He represented the United States in
the Senior Division of the World Cup for a number of years, in New Zealand,
Austria, and Turkey.

He was loved
by a large extended family and many friends and will be greatly missed. 
Marvin is survived by his wife, Margaret White Brown; children, Clif
Patrie, Mier Brown, Leigh Crippen, Patti Napier, Phyllis White Hennessee, Deda
White Lehman and Cindy White Hughes.

Visitation
will be held Thursday, December 10, 2009 from 6 to 8pm at Rosewood Funeral Home
in Porter, TX. Funeral services will be held at 8:30 am Friday, December 11,
2009 at New Caney Church of Christ, interment will follow Houston National
Cemetery at 10:15 am.