Brown, Joe Ray

age 57, died Sep 20, 2002, at his Grove Okla home. Born on Jul 10, 1945, to Charles Scut Brown and Edna Markle Brown. He grew up in the Commerce Okla area. A veteran, he entered the U.S. Army on Feb of 1964 and was a member of the elite 101st airborne Division. Parachuting became a passion that followed throughout his life. He was a combat engineer and became a demolition expert. He was also an expert marksman. He spent several years in Europe and became fluent in the German language. After receiving an honorable discharge, Brown returned to the Commerce area and was a member of the Army Reserves. In honor of his Cherokee heritage, Indian rites were observed.