Obituary of Glenn Austin Brown

Reverend Glenn Austin Brown of Fort Worth, TX passed away December 1, 2024 at 92 years of age.  

Glenn was born in Porum, Oklahoma to Charles and Lavada Brown. With two grandfathers as preachers and his parents both devout Christians, he grew up with a legacy of faith. His parents lived out their faith as they cleaned up an abandoned school near their farm in the Danville, Arkansas area so they could have Sunday School and worship services in that area. Because of their teaching and example, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at a young age.

Upon graduating from high school in Shawnee in 1950, Glenn attended Oklahoma Baptist University to begin his college career. It was there that he met his first love, Jean Stith, and they married December 22, 1951 during their sophomore year of college. During the next few years Glenn felt that God was calling him to the ministry. He completed a B.A. in Religion and Philosophy with a minor in music from Tulsa University in 1962 and a M.A. in Educational Psychology from OU in 1968.

Glenn served as a Minister of Music, Education and Youth at Springdale Baptist Church, Tulsa, First Baptist Church, Sallisaw, Britton Baptist Church, Oklahoma City, and Minister of Education at First Baptist Church, Ada, Oklahoma. In 1971, he accepted an invitation to join the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma (BGCO) as the Associate Director of the Department of Religious Education. He also worked as the Associate Director of Planning and Promotion for the BGCO for several years before becoming the Director of Communications and Editor of their weekly newspaper, the Baptist Messenger.  Glenn became well-known and respected among Oklahoma Baptists through his writing and preaching engagements in churches across the state.

Upon his retirement in 1997, Glenn and Jean moved to Fort Worth to be closer to their daughters and grandchildren. Glenn loved to read, ride bikes, take long walks, and even took flying lessons, which had been a long-time dream of his. He loved spending time with his family, whether over family dinners or trips to the park with grandchildren.  He was caring and kind, always willing to listen and had a great sense of humor.  During his wife’s last several years, she required constant care due to dementia. The family watched him care for her patiently, taking care of her most basic needs.

Two years after Jean’s death in 2011 Glenn found love again, marrying Euna Hancock, who was a friend of theirs from church. They enjoyed being involved in their church, where Dad was their Sunday School teacher and an active deacon and loved to spend time with friends and family over dinner and games.

Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Jean and brothers Wilson and Cleyborne Brown. He is survived by his wife Euna Hancock Brown, his daughters Cheri (David) Jordan and Terri (Roger) Russell; Euna’s sons Brad and Bobby Hancock; Grandchildren Stephanie (Scott) Jackson, Cassidy (Eric) Jernigan, Hayley (Buddy) Gomez, Kole Jordan, Alex Jordan, Ryan (Raechel) Russell, and Nick (Laynie) Russell. He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren.

Visitation: 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at Martin Thompson & Son Chapel, 6009 Wedgwood Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76133.

Celebration of His Life: 1:00 p.m. Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Southcliff Church, 4100 SW Loop 820, Fort Worth, TX, 76109.

Graveside Service: The family will hold private graveside service preceding the celebration of his life. 

The service will be officiated by Dr. Carroll Marr of Southcliff, Dr. Anthony Jordan of Oklahoma City and Dr. Ryan Russell of Temple, TX, grandson of Rev. Brown.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Oklahoma Baptist University School of Christian Service, Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children, Inc. or the charity of your choice.