CONFIRMED: Francis D. Brown, Jr., Veteran, US Navy, Vietnam (188-25) 3 Oct 25
17501 Nacogdoches Rd
San Antonio, TX 78266
USA
US NAVY VETERAN – VIETNAM WAR
The family of Mr. Francis D. Brown, Jr., a US Navy Veteran, requests the presence and participation of the San Antonio Patriot Guard at the graveside rendering of military honors of their loved one. We are honored to accept this invitation.
Francis “Mickey” Brown, Jr. was born in Port Huron Michigan and moved to San Antonio, Texas with his family when he was a child. He passed away in San Antonio on November 14, 2023, at the age of 77.
He was preceded in death by his father, Francis D. Brown; his mother, Eunice Brown Ferland; his eldest sister, Sharon Smith; his eldest brother, Charles Brown; and his youngest brother, Bernard “Bernie” Brown.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Anita A. Brown; daughter Darlene Brown and fiancé Paul Neumann; and daughter Renee Brown-Cheng and spouse Otto Cheng; and his younger sister, Cathy Brown.
Mickey will always be remembered for his zest for life and travel, his service to his country and community, and above all, his love and devotion to his family. He had a gift for making people feel special and played so many roles in people’s lives as a husband, father, church volunteer, and mentor. His ability to encourage and support others knew no bounds.
Mickey met Anita in Oahu, Hawaii, one of the most romantic locations imaginable, during one of the most tenuous times in history, the Vietnam conflict. Anita and her sisters had moved from Massachusetts to spend time with their Marine brother, Gerry, who was on leave. As fate would have it, Mickey was simultaneously stationed by the Navy in Oahu.
Thus began their friendship, which blossomed into a lifetime of love. Anita renamed him from Francis to Mickey, as she thought he looked more like the actor Mickey Rooney, versus a “Francis/Frank.”
Their spark was first ignited when Anita asked Mickey for a ride to church. Their shared faith led to weekly trips to mass together, where their bond grew stronger. As the days passed, they became inseparable, leading them to pledge their lives together on October 5, 1968.
After faithfully serving his country in the Navy, Mickey and Anita returned to Cape Cod, Massachusetts to be closer to her family, where they welcomed their first daughter, Darlene, whom they adopted from Seoul, Korea, on November 4, 1976. Two years later, the warmth of their family grew after the arrival of their younger daughter, Renee, on Veteran’s Day, 1978.
Mickey and Anita dedicated their lives to making the childhoods of their daughters feel magical. Through thick and thin, they never missed the opportunity to pour every ounce of love into a family outing, birthday, Christmas, and every other occasion to express their never-ending devotion to their daughters.
Mickey lived life exuberantly, with humility and service, and inspired all those who had an opportunity to know him, in particular his two daughters.
His tireless work ethic, faith in God and resolute service, along with his personal sacrifice for family first, demonstrated his humility and love for others, even with his last breath.
His unending love for Anita was the fuel that gave him the ability to overcome various struggles in their life together. We will never forget his sheer bravery exerted in his last hours, minutes, and seconds that he spent trying to afford more time to be here and care for Anita.
There are many things people accomplish in life that they are proud of, and our father is no different. We are humbled and proud to be called his daughters and to have experienced the depths of love and honor he demonstrated throughout life.
He was truly a man of service. Be it serving his country, his church, his family, or his community, he had a genuine servant heart.
He loved volunteering his time at St. Vincent De Paul and Our Lady of Perpetual Help, always trying to find ways to live a life of gratitude by giving and sharing with others.
Two of his favorite poems were “Footprints” and “Serenity Prayer.”
He has certainly left indelible footprints in our souls, and we will keep this prayer close to our hearts to remind us of the incomparable strength he demonstrated his entire life.
WEATHER: Hi 91 / Lo 70, 0% Chance of Rain, 73% Humidity, Wind: 3 mph NNE
REQUESTOR: Darlene Brown, Daughter
STAGING: 11:00 am, Friday, October 3, 2025
Holy Cross Cemetery
17501 Nacogdoches Road
San Antonio, Texas 78266
https://goo.gl/maps/nPgfS17sau82
BRIEFING: 11:15 am
KSU: 11:45 am (Semper Gumby)
INTERMENT: 12:00 pm
Holy Cross Cemetery
17501 Nacogdoches Road
San Antonio, Texas 78266
https://goo.gl/maps/nPgfS17sau82
RC: Bob “Pizza Man” Johnson
bobtxpgr@gmail.com
FC: Juan “Mr. T” Tarango
juantarango16@yahoo.com
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. Iron horses if you can, cages are always welcome and appreciated and unless under special circumstances not allowed in processions. You do not have to have a motorcycle to participate in honoring our veterans.
2. Safety First: Please remember to properly hydrate (including the night before) before any outdoor activity and to dress appropriately. Do not hesitate to take a break at any time if you feel you need to get in the shade or get indoors and always ask for help at any time. Also please do not forget your sun screen.
3. Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and. NO TALKING, SMOKING, CHEWING OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, OR CELL PHONE USE IN THE FLAG LINE!
***Safety Notice***
Before volunteering and/or attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders missions we encourage you to review all safety information below. Included are some potential safety concerns to be aware of, however this does not include the full scope of all potential hazards. Anyone attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders mission understands that they do so at their own risk. Neither the Patriot Guard Riders Organization nor its representatives are liable for any damages incurred on any PGR mission or event.
Funeral Processions/Escorts
EVERY RIDER IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for their own safety at all times while riding in a funeral procession.
At NO TIME are any riders authorized to block any intersection or otherwise block or impede traffic laws in any way. Only Law Enforcement officials are authorized to block and/or impeded the lawful flow of traffic.
If you choose to fly a Flag on your bike you are SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for ensuring it is secured and not a danger to any other rider or traffic.
Warm Regards,
Bob “Pizza Man” Johnson
Asst. State Captain
Deputy State Captain
San Antonio Patriot Guard
Dignity, Honor, Respect
Cell: 562-413-2223
“We can’t all be heroes. Some of us get to stand on the curb and clap as they go by.”
Will Rogers