Neil Brown

Neil Brown, resident of Ponca City, Oklahoma passed away on Thursday, October 30, 2008 at his home surrounded by his beloved family. He was 76. Neil was born the son of Gordon Azuriah Brown and Edna Ellen Shreve Brown on March 21, 1932 in Enid, Oklahoma. He grew up in Covington, Oklahoma and graduated from Covington High School in 1949. He was an excellent athlete and throughout high school was involved with football, basketball, baseball and track. He later attended Oklahoma AM University Oklahoma State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Husbandry. He married Raelene Nichols on March 31, 1952 at the First Christian Church in Covington, Oklahoma and to this union, two children were born. The couple recently celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. Neil was self employed in Ponca City for 42 years. In 1957, Neil and Raelene opened the first Coin-O-Matic Laundry in Ponca City and they later operated Neils Fashions for 20 years. He loved the cattle industry and raised cattle for 41 years. The Farm was the second love of his life. He is survived by his loving wife, Raelene of the home; daughter, Sherry Butterfield, of Dallas, Texas; son, Gary Brown and his wife, Laurie of Ponca City, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Jennifer Brown of Edmond, Oklahoma, Adam Butterfield of Dallas, Texas, Jessica Chapman and husband, Ryan of Ponca City, Oklahoma, Ross Butterfield of Dallas, Texas, Matt Brown of Ponca City, Oklahoma and Chelsea Brown of Ponca City, Oklahoma; great grandchildren, Colby Chapman, Cortni Chapman, Kyson Chapman and Caitlyn Brown. He is preceded in death by his parents; grandmother, Hattie Belle Shreve; brother, Bobby D. Brown; and sisters, Susan OMeara and Sandy Rector. Casket bearers will be Adam Butterfield, Ross Butterfield, Matt Brown, John Loveland, Ryan Chapman, Shawn O'Meara Chet Mongold and David Hill. Honorary casket bearers will be Don Crilly, Van VanDusen, C.J. Buck Brown, Donny Lauver, Bob Dykes and Charlie Nichols. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 3, 2008 at Grace Memorial Chapel with The Reverend Wilford Wisel officiating. Interment will follow at Covington Cemetery in Covington, Oklahoma. The family will be at the funeral home on Sunday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to receive friends and other family.