Charles Ray Brown

Charles Ray Brown, 69, of Owensboro, passed away on September 6, 2025. He was born December 18, 1955, in Daviess County, Indiana, to the late Kentrill and Theresa Baptiste Brown.

After graduating from Fordsville High School, Charlie worked with his father in the oil fields before spending time at Kimball's Furniture and Pyramid mines as a master mechanic. Over the years, his career took many paths, including running a bulldozing business, installing swimming pools, and ultimately finding his long-term place at Southern Tank, where he worked as both a welder and truck driver until his retirement after 20 years of service.

In 1970, Charlie met the love of his life, Marilyn Sue Farmer “Susie”, and they were soon married. Together they shared 52 years of love, raising two children and creating a home rich with traditions. They enjoyed riding motorcycles and took annual trips to the mountains, adventures that became cherished memories. At home, Charlie often sang to Sue, sometimes to make her laugh, sometimes simply to show his love, and sometimes to annoy her.

Family was at the heart of his life. He was a devoted father to Kerensa and Krestien and treasured his role as "Papa" to his grandchildren. He shared his creativity, humor, and generosity with them.

Charlie was a gifted craftsman and an inventive spirit. He loved to create, building everything from backyard toys to intricate projects for his children. Whether it was a seesaw that might not meet today's safety standards, handmade basketball goals, an elaborate train set, or a three-story dollhouse, his work was always precise, imaginative, and filled with love. He was not only a jack of all trades but also a master of many.

Charlie will be remembered for his big heart and giving nature. Always the first to lend a hand, he delighted in helping others. A lifelong prankster, he proudly earned the title of "Class Clown" in high school and never lost his love of laughter. Even in later years, when his children and grandchildren turned the tables with their own pranks, he relished every moment of fun.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his in-laws, Burtron and Emogene Vance Farmer; son-in-law, Chris Pate; brothers-in-law, Randall Farmer, Ronnie Ammon and Eddie Calloway; Sisters-in-law Linda Brown and Carolyn Farmer; nephews Randy Farmer, Brandon Brown and nieces, McKaylee Gilmore and Valerie Wilson.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Marilyn Sue Brown; children, Kerensa Carlee Pate (Chris Johnson) and Charles Krestien Brown (Elizabeth Ann); grandchildren, Christopher Cale Pate, Harrison Conner Brown, Kinsley Elizabeth Brown, and bonus grandson, Cody Lawrence Pate (Myra) children-Hank and Addy; siblings, Linda Kenady (Dan), Barbara (Bob) Kay Brown , Edward(Eddie) Brown; in-laws, Judy Wilson (Stanley), Elaine Calloway, Nancy Ammon, Robert Farmer (Linda), Sherry Bridgemon (Mike), and Pam Coomes (Mark), as well as numerous loving nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate Charlies' life will be held at 4:00 pm on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Friday, September 12, at the funeral home, and from 2:00 pm until the time of service at 4:00 pm on Saturday at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to “It Takes A Village “Animal Shelter,2620 KY-81, Owensboro, KY 42301.

Please be prepared to leave a memory in the memory box for Charlie.

Messages and condolences for the family may be offered at www.glenncares.com.