Brown, John Lester's Obituary
John Lester Brown, a kind and remarkable man, passed away in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at the age of 97.
John was born in an oilfield tent city near Oilton, Oklahoma, on December 3, 1928, to Jonathon Noah Brown, and Florence Velma Wight Brown. John was the baby of the family with five older sisters. He graduated from Oilton High School in 1946, lettering in football and basketball, and was an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Central State College in Edmond, Oklahoma, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education including a life-time teaching certificate for Industrial Arts and Mathematics. After graduation he moved to Bartlesville, Oklahoma, to work for Phillips Petroleum Company as a draftsman. While in Bartlesville, he met Marcia Sue Martin on the steps of the 6th and Dewey Church of Christ. They married on May 23, 1953 and were married almost 72 years at the time of Marcia’s passing.
John and Marcia lived in Idaho Falls, Idaho, for several years, working at the Phillips nuclear plant and were members of a vocational missions church planting team. They returned to Oklahoma for John to obtain an Engineering degree, but plans were joyfully interrupted by the birth of twins, and John began his first career as an electrical engineer at Williams Brothers Engineering Company in Tulsa. After 25 years, he began his second career as an educator at Wright Christian Academy. He taught high school calculus, trigonometry, physics and Bible and retired after 20 years of teaching.
John was known as a life-long learner, a builder, problem solver, an elder in the church, a student of the Bible, friend, teacher, and most importantly, devoted husband and father.
Preceding him in death are his beloved wife, his parents, his sisters and his dear daughter-in-law Nancie Brown. He is survived by his children Janell and her husband John, Jeffrey, Timothy, and John Lester Jr. and his wife Sissy. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, their spouses, and 17 great-grand children, and many dear nieces and nephews.
“Do hear and put into practice the words of Jesus, so that you will be a wise builder whose house will withstand the storms of life.” ~ Matthew 7:24 JLB
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