Arthur “Pat” Franklin Brown
Former San Francisco 49er, Arthur “Pat” Franklin Brown, Sr. took his last defensive stance on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 in Dodge City, Kansas.
He loved football so much that his idea of quality time with his children was to have them huddled around him so he could teach them the basics, even the girls. The team he leaves behind includes son, Arthur Jr. and wife, Debbie of Wichita, KS. Certainly a “Chip” off the old block in terms of his athletic abilities: three daughters Cyndi of Wichita, KS, Crystal, and Sallie (Olomon) both of Garden City, KS. His secondary (grandchildren) include Starr, Murphy, Brooke, Reagan, Cade, Ian (Olomon), Nate, and Sean (Olomon). His special teams (great grandchildren) include Murphy Jr. and Saniyah (Ingram), and great grand pup, Thor. Members of his coaching staff (surviving siblings) include three brothers: Willie, Buster, and Virgil, and one sister Valerie. Preceding him were his parents, John Sr. and Arzella; four brothers, John Jr, Paul, Lawrence, and Randall, one sister, Helen Johnson, and grandson Kenneth. He also leaves behind a squad of nieces, nephews and church family.
Coach Brown believed in giving back to the community. A long time Garden City resident, besides coaching several youth teams, he served as a member of the USD 457 Garden City School Board, the Garden City Chapter of the American Red Cross, served as a member of the Garden City YMCA board, and the Garden City Recreation Commission.
He was born September 24, 1932 in Fort Smith, Arkansas and later moved with his family to southwestern Kansas including Liberal and Dodge City. After graduating from the first class of St. Mary of the Plains College (The Cavaliers) in Dodge City with degrees in Education and Business, he was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers discovered Brown while playing in bowl game for the Cavaliers when they drafted him for a defensive tackle.
When he was release from the 49ers, he returned to Dodge City. On August 19, 1956, he married Loretta Sally Jennings of Garden City. They were married for over 25 years. Coach worked at the post office in Garden City for many years.
Funeral service will be held at Apostolic Faith Pentecostal Church on Saturday, December 5, 2015 at 1:00 PM with Pastor Marguerite Ferrell presiding. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home on Friday, December 4, 2015 from Noon to 8:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to Trinity Manor or Apostolic Faith Pentecostal Church in care of the funeral home.
