Kenneth Robert Brown

Kenneth Robert Brown (“Ken”), 63, a resident of Pensacola, passed away on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at his home in Pensacola, Florida. Ken is survived by his wife Cris, children Melissa, Krystal and Raymond, and four grandchildren.

Ken was born in Encino, California, on October 14, 1961, as the first child to Sharon Jo Williams and Kenneth Raymond Brown. In the years following, Ken’s family expanded to include younger siblings Charlie, Brenda and Daniel. Ken was a caring, compassionate, protective and loving son and older brother.

Growing up in the valley Ken and his siblings were involved in all sorts of hijinks and hustles including but not limited to returning grocery carts for bicycle money, throwing oranges at passing cars, constructing wacky inventions and most infamously taking his father's 1967 Ford Mustang out for joyrides.

One of Ken’s fondest memories as a child was a camping trip that was supposed to be “adults-only” comprised of his father, grandfather and uncle. After being told “no” and falling asleep in his bed, Ken awoke in the middle of the night to find himself and his brother Charlie, still asleep, in a moving car. His father had placed him in the station wagon during the night and they were on route to the fishing trip! Ken climbed into the front seat and shared a quiet drive with his father, munching on Oreo cookies and looking at the stars.

At the age of 17, in October 1979, Ken enlisted in the United States Air Force. The first base that Ken was stationed at was George Air Force Base (“AFB”) in California from 1980 - 1983. During this time he met his first wife Terri and welcomed daughter Melissa Ann Brown on October 18, 1983. The next base Ken was stationed was McChord AFB in Washington from 1983 - 1987. During this time Ken and Terry divorced.

Ken would then receive orders to go overseas to Clark AFB, Philippines from 1987 - 1990. It was in the Philippines that Ken would meet his second wife Crisencia (“Cris”). Ken and Cris worked together on base, and Ken knew immediately that Cris was special. Ken conspired with Cris’s sister to coordinate a first date, and Ken and Cris were inseparable ever since. Ken and Cris were married on May 31, 1989 and Ken welcomed his second child, Krystal Babadilla Brown on December 21, 1989.

Shortly after, Ken and his family would move to Chanute AFB, Illinois to become an Aircraft Structural Maintenance (“ASM”) instructor from 1990 - 1993. The next stop for the family would be Naval Air Station (“NAS”) Memphis where he would teach advanced composites from 1993 - 1996. The final stop for the family was NAS Pensacola Florida teaching supplemental courses from 1996 - 2000.

After retiring from the military in 2000 the family moved to Griffin, Georgia where Ken worked for Abaris Training as an instructor. On January 7, 2001 Ken and Cris welcomed into the world their “retirement gift”, son Raymond Babadilla Brown.

In 2002, having missed both Pensacola and the military lifestyle, the Family moved back to Pensacola where Ken joined the civil service for the United States Air Force. Ken rejoined his prior squadron as an ASM instructor teaching what he knew and loved. Ken would go on to work as an instructor at NAS Pensacola until his retirement in October 2023.

A piece of Ken will always remain in Pensacola, FL. The city of Pensacola is known for having decorated pelican statues scattered throughout the town representing businesses and establishments. The intersection of Garden Street and Palafox is surrounded by the Armed Forces pelicans. Ken proudly had a hand in both fabricating and restoring the United States Air Force pelican after it had been hit by a car. The pelican is a great representation of his patriotism and dedication to the United States Air Force.

Ever the jokester and outdoorsman, Ken enjoyed tinkering, fishing, camping, hunting, riding his motorcycle, working with his hands, and spending time with and teasing his family. Ken loved teaching people new skills and building confidence in others. Ken also coined the term “ken-gineering” to reflect his special brand of know-how and pension for wacky inventions.

Ken would not hesitate to give the shirt off his back to someone in need, often helping friends and family at the drop of a hat. He was humble and never asked for anything in return.

Ken was a great man that loved his family, worked hard and loved life. Ken made truly immeasurable impacts on those that knew him.