Bryce "Dave" David Brown

Services for Dave Brown, 74, of Nacogdoches, will be held at 1:00p.m. Thursday, December 3, 2015 in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park, 5205 S. First Street, in the Elwyn M. Gipson Memorial Chapel, with Elder Michael Phillips officiating, with interment following in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until service time at the Garden of Memories Memorial Park, 5205 S. First Street, in the Elwyn M. Gipson Memorial Chapel.

Mr. Brown was born May 14, 1941 in Hemphill, Texas, the son of the late Violet Alene (Ferguson) and Bryce Curie Brown. He passed away Monday, November 30, 2015 in a Nacogdoches hospital.

Mr. Brown was retired from the United States Navy following 25 years of service, traveling the world, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the Far East and Latin America. He attained the rank of Master Chief (the 2nd youngest in the Navy) and had an honorable discharge. He was the Chief of the Boat that recovered the lunar capsule from the second Apollo Mission. He also served on one of the cruisers that led the Cuban Missile Blockade.

He had a second career with Factory Mutual Engineering in Boston, Massachusetts as a Loss Prevention Engineer and retired following 20 years of service.

Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Dean and Shelly Brown of Cave Creek, Arizona; grandchildren, Mackenzie Brown, Bailey Brown, and Parker Brown, all of Cave Creek, Arizona; stepmother, Burlie Brown of Dora, Alabama; brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Delores Brown of Vidor; sisters, Ruby Ard and Billy Selman of Lufkin, Mary Ann McFarland and husband Glenn of Buna, and Alphia Blyue of Lufkin; special friend, Betty Lytle of Nacogdoches; and a number of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Brown was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Marie Brown on December 11, 2007.

Memorial contributions in Mr. Brown’s memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P. O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675; or any Armed Service Organization of your choice.

Condolences may be offered at www.gipsonfuneralhome.com

Services have been placed in the trust of Gipson Funeral Home.