Earl Keith Brown

July 4, 1933 - July 4, 2017

Services for Earl Keith Brown (CPO, U. S. Navy, Retired), age 84, of Tyler, Texas are scheduled for 10:30 A.M. Saturday, July 8, 2017 in the Caudle-Rutledge-Daugherty Funeral Home chapel with Rev. Scott Brown and Rev. Gary Brown officiating. The family will receive friends following the funeral service on Saturday. Keith was born on July 4, 1933 in the Red Springs Community, Texas to the late Shelton Charles and Lillie (Keith) Brown. He enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 19 and served his country for 20 years aboard various submarines. During his military service, he was awarded the Presidental Unit Citation for service on the U.S.S. Thomas A. Edison nuclear submarine. Keith ended his military career serving as a naval recruiter in Palestine, Texas. He loved his time in the Navy and delighted telling stories of his service to his country, even in his last days. Knowing how true his patriotic heart would always be, God chose him to be born on July 4th and called him home on July 4th to receive his ultimate reward. Keith was a member of the Palestine Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite and the Sharon Shrine Temple of Tyler. Keith and Sue blended their families in 1987. He is survived by his loving wife, Sue Brown of Tyler, Texas; sons & daughters-in-law, Earl, Jr. & Jan Brown of Canton, Texas, Kendall Brown of San Antonio, Texas and David & Leslie McElhannon of Augusta, Georgia; daughter & son-in-law, Sandy & Hank Barfield of Burleson, Texas; sister, Barbara Cato of Plano, Texas; brother & sister-in-law, Donald & Neva Brown of Lufkin, Texas; father-in-law, Woodrow Rice of Benton, Arkansas; brothers-in-law, Paul Rice of Little Rock, Arkansas, Mark Rice and wife, Barbara of Benton, Arkansas and Learl Rice and wife Sandra of Tulsa, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Justin Marks, Catherine “Mundi” Brown, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Rebeccah Garner and Matthew Brown; 7 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. The Family request in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice of East Texas Homeplace, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, Texas 75701. Keith’s remains will be buried at sea, per his request.