Charles Samuel Brown, Sr.

“Charlie Brown” • “Bubba”

May 22, 1938 – September 15, 2026

Charles Samuel Brown, Sr., affectionately known as “Charlie Brown” and “Bubba,” was born on May 22, 1938, to the late Oscar Thomas Brown and Virgie Vanmeter Brown. He received his heavenly reward on September 15, 2026.

Charlie was educated in the Owensboro School System and graduated from Western High School in 1956, where he sang in the chorus and played basketball. At an early age, he professed his faith in Christ and joined Mount Calvary Baptist Church. Later in life, he converted to Catholicism and became a faithful member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Chapel.

In 1957, Charlie married Sandra Moorman Brown. Together, they built a loving family and shared many years filled with life, laughter, and cherished memories.

In 1971, Charlie made history as the first African American firefighter hired by the City of Owensboro. He proudly served the Owensboro community until his retirement. His trailblazing service was honored in February 2024, when the Owensboro Fire Department recognized him during Black History Month. He was also honored by the Men’s Mass Community Choir with The George E. Riley “On the Battlefield” Award. Charlie was well known and deeply loved throughout the community he served and the neighborhood he called home.

Charlie enjoyed life and the company of others. He loved playing tennis, was an avid golfer, and had a lifelong passion for singing. He was a founding member of the Five Embers, a doo-wop singing group whose harmonies reflected his love of music. Sports, music, family, and community remained central to his life.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sandra Moorman Brown; his sister, Mary Catherine Taylor; his brothers, Carl Lee, Joe Louis, Thomas, and William Winstead; his daughter-in-law, April Brown; his son-in-law, Anthony Cox; and his grandson, Samuel Thruston.

Charlie leaves to cherish his memory his children: Donald Brown; Charles (Tonia) Brown, Jr.; Tonya (Jerry) Thruston; Beatrice (Dr. Efrim, Sr.) Moore; Deanna (Anthony) Louis; Christopher Brown, I; and Jacquelyn Cox; his brother, Richard (Patricia) Brown, Sr.; his sister-in-law, Jewell Brown; 20 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Charlie’s life was one of faith, family, service, music, and community. From breaking barriers as Owensboro’s first African American firefighter to the countless lives he touched as a husband, father, grandfather, friend, and neighbor, his legacy will continue through the generations who knew and loved him.

Visitation

Thursday, September 24, 2026 • 5:00–7:00 p.m.

Friday, September 25, 2026 • 9:00-9:30 a.m.

McFarland Funeral Home, 1001 West 5th Street, Owensboro, KY 42301

Homegoing Service

Friday, September 25, 2026 • 10:00 a.m.

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Chapel, 602 Sycamore Street, Owensboro, KY 42301

Committal Service and Burial

Following the Homegoing Service

Resurrection Cemetery

KY-54, Philpot, KY 42366

Repast

Immediately following the burial at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Chapel.

Please leave memories and condolences for the family at www.mcfarlandfh.com.

Final arrangements entrusted to McFarland Funeral Home, Inc., Owensboro, KY.