Frazier Kenneth Brown

1927-2018

“And now these three remain, faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13

Frazier Kenneth “Ken” Brown a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, businessman, investor, and friend passed peacefully into Jesus’ arms in Methodist Hospital – Medical Center on the 4th of December 2018, Houston, Texas, at the age of 91.

Ken is survived by the mother of his children Marlene R. Brown-Houston. His children, Victoria A. Brown-Sobecki (Dan) - Houston, and Bruce K. Brown (Gloria) - League City. His Grandchildren Matthew S. Brown (Colyn) - Houston, Austin H. Brown (Haley) and Dalton M. Brown-Schulenberg. Great-Grandchild, Tinley R. Brown - La Porte and leaves numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

He is preceded in death by his Grandmother Anna Jauch McKenzie, Grandfather Harry McKenzie, Mother Harriet Mabel Brown (McKenzie), Father Frederick Arlington Brown, Brother Donald McKenzie Brown, Sister-in-Law Anna Baker Brown and companion Carol L. Teal.

Ken was born on August 31, 1927 in Chicago, Illinois to Harriet Mabel (McKenzie) and Frederick Arlington Brown. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church. He spent his childhood in Chicago playing baseball, ice skating, swimming, and spent his summers near Gobles, Michigan, on Mill Lake. His love for fitness continued as a lifeguard at Oak Street Beach on Lake Michigan in Chicago. It was not uncommon for Ken to play handball, racquetball, and finish up with a mile swim at the gym.

He was honored to attend the prestigious Lane Technical High School. As a student athlete, he competed on the speed skating team and received his diploma before enlisting in United States Navy, where he ultimately received the commission of Lt. J.G.

Upon his honorable discharge, Ken attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where he was a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, which is the national honor society designed exclusively for outstanding students. The membership is limited solely to those students who rank in the upper two percent of their class. In 1950 he received a Bachelor of Science degree with Honors in Business Management and Marketing under the G.I. Bill of Rights. The university recognized his accomplishments by placing his name in bronze in The College of Commerce and Business Administration.

In 1952, Marlene and Ken ventured out of Illinois to Houston, Texas in a 1949 Ford Station Wagon. They were in pursuit of building a career path that would ultimately bring them success in a new community.

Allstate Insurance, a subsidiary of Sears, Roebuck and Company, hired Ken in 1953 as an automobile insurance agent. Then he went on to walk the floors of the Sears Main Street retail store. After eight years of proven success and accomplishments, Allstate established the first store-front agency in the Palm Center Shopping Mall, Houston, Texas. Ken was the first agent in the country to be responsible for the management and success of that type of facility.

After proven success in the Houston market, Allstate established a Regional facility in the Sharpstown Center area of Houston. During this time Ken established his dominance in the insurance industry by receiving the top award for Allstate Insurance agents. This award was the Conference of Champions. He was Chairman of this Conference four times during his career.

He continued this success until his retirement in 1990 after 4 decades of service. His record of an estimated 7,500 personal accounts (i.e., auto, home, life insurance, commercial, etc.) has yet to be surpassed by any one individual agent. He set the bar!

It was not uncommon for Ken to give to a wide array of charitable organizations. He was a life time member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church-Houston, Life Member of the 100 Club of Houston, contributed to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, and YMCA.

The family of Ken Brown would like to express their deep gratitude for the loving and tireless care provided by Rick Teal. Rick will always be remembered as has companion, partner in crime, protector, aide, sidekick and most of all best friend and adopted step son. A sincere thank you to Dr. Matthew Lenz, Dr. Surendra K. Jain, the prayerful support of family friends, and the staff at St. Luke’s and Methodist Hospital.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 13 from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. and Celebration Service from 2:00-3:00 p.m. at Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services, 7010 Chetwood Drive, Houston, Texas 77081.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to 100 Club of Houston, Heart Association or the charity of your choice.