Lester Louis Brown

Lester Louis Brown (Les) was born on December 17, 1938 in Toledo, Ohio to Roderick and Isabella Brown. Raised in Toledo, he got a job in the aviation industry following his high school years and in 1958 he met and married his beautiful wife, Juanita. From that union, they had two daughters, Loretta Ann and Tawanna Lashall.

Les joined the United States Army in 1960 and during his military tenure, served his country both stateside and abroad. He served in the Vietnam War twice and also served in South Korea. Following his Korean tour, Les and his family lived abroad in various locations, including Germany, Holland, and Panama. After serving 25 years in the military, he retired honorably in 1985 and settled in Tampa, Florida with his family. Not quite one for retirement life just yet, he joined the workforce again in 1986 as a civilian for the United States Department of Defense. He later retired from the Federal Government after 23 years of service.

Les was a proud and decorated vet that had a great love for his country but an even bigger love for his family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. He was a storyteller – always up for a chat and always had a joke to share or a light-hearted prank to play. Les would do and say anything to see a smile on someone’s face or to lift someone’s spirits. He also had a multitude of hobbies, which included listening to the Blues, playing his harmonica, learning new languages, cooking, reading, viewing antique cars, and reminiscing about the ‘good ole days’.

Lester Louis Brown departed this life peacefully on Friday, April 21, 2023 at Saint Joseph’s Hospital surrounded by his family and loved ones.

Les is survived by his wife of 64 years, Juanita Brown, his two daughters, Loretta Jennings and Tawanna [Calvin] Gowins, two additional sons-in-law, James Miller and Hellenthal Jennings, four grandchildren, Cefion [Chucky] Lam, Christopher Jennings, Corey Miller, and Devin Gowins, three great-grandchildren, Caiden Miller, Jacob Lam, and Landon Lam, siblings, Benjamin [Anna] Brown, Erma Dixon, Verna Dean Byers, and a host of other relatives and friends.

A funeral service for Lester will be held Monday, May 1, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Blount & Curry FH-Carrollwood, 3207 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33618. A graveside service will occur Monday, May 1, 2023 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 S. W. 102nd Ave, Bushnell, FL 33513. A visitation will occur Monday, May 1, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 3207 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33618.