He was born to Charles and Bessie Brown in Hamilton, Texas on April 23, 1931 and was number 8 of 9 children in their blended family. C.M. grew up working on a farm while attending a small school in the area. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps at 20 years old, boarded a troop ship to Korea and worked in the Medical core during his time there. After returning from his tour, he worked a long career in highway maintenance and construction.
He met the love of his life and future wife Iva Jean Freeman, in Brady Tx while dining at the local drive up diner. They Married January 7, 1956 and started their family on April 7, 1957 with the birth of Linda Diane, followed by Anita Gail February 6, 1960. Then came Michael Allen February 1, 1961, and lastly Charles Lee joined on June 16, 1963 completing their family.
C.M. loved to fish, hunt and be outdoors and often included his family in his adventures. They travelled and vacationed all over together. He was a great and well respected leader in his career life. When he retired he became very active and involved with various church groups creating memorable relationships through serving in the ministry. He loved working and being involved in the food pantry and found great joy in helping those in need. In recent years, C.M. was able to create lasting memories with close family in his comeback adventures to Korea, Japan, Alaska and walked amongst the giant redwoods in California admiring the beauty of our creator. One of his proudest accomplishments, aside from his family, was to participate in the Veterans Honor Flight, celebrating those who served.
He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings and wife of 63 years Iva Jean Brown as well as his grandson, Major Nick “Smog” Brown. He is survived by his daughters Linda Connealy and Anita Brown. His son Mike and daughter in law Holly Brown and well as his son Charles and Daughter in law Claudia Brown. Also survived by his grandchildren Chris Montgomery, Matthew Montgomery, Zach Brown and wife Shannon Brown, Sarah Jean Goodwin, Laura Hawkins and husband Chad Hawkins, Kacee Brown, Tanner Brown, Cory Brown and wife Casey Brown, Iva Guthrie and Husband Drew Guthrie, Betsy Borrego, Yanick Rodrigue, Santiago Velasquez. Great grandchildren Alexis Montgomery, Shelbie Montgomery, Riley Montgomery, Oliver Strickland, Chloe Brown, Samantha, Madison, Olivia, Raylee Brown, Gavin Brown, Violet Hawkins, Jaxon Hawkins, Ela Guthrie, Charlotte Guthrie, Ada Rose Rainer and Paxton Rainer.
Visitation will be held at Cashner Funeral Home, Cedar Room, 801 Teas Road, Conroe, TX 77303, on October 21, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
A Funeral Service will be held at Conroe Church of Christ, 1860 Longmire Rd, Conroe, TX 77304, on October 22, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm with graveside to follow in Garden Park Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Linda Connealy, Rhonda Vaught, Anita Brown, Iva Guthrie, Laura Hawkins, and Claudia Brown.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of the following organizations that were near and dear to CM’s heart.
Honor Flight Austin -donation page is found at www.honorflightaustin.org. Their mission is to honor the service and sacrifice of senior veterans by providing an all-expense paid, weekend of a lifetime, to Washington, DC to visit the memorial dedicated to their respective War and to be celebrated as the heroes they are. CM was a beneficiary of one of these trips.
Conroe Church of Christ General Fund – 1860 Longmire Road, Conroe, Texas 77304. CM loved his church congregation and faithfully served the Montgomery County community through the food pantry mission at his Church Home.
