Jack William Brown

Jack William Brown of Battle Creek, MI

Jack, age 80, died Saturday afternoon, May 6, 2017 at the Glenn Arbor Hospice Residence, Battle Creek, following a six month illness and with his loving family at his side.

Jack, the son of Wesley and Luella (Stevens) Brown, was born in Battle Creek on April 30, 1937, was a lifetime resident and 1956 graduate of Lakeview High School. He served his Country honorably and nobly in the United States Marine Corps. Jack retired in 1995 after 37 years of faithful service to Kellogg Company as an Instrument Repairman.

Jack's passion was coaching football at St. Philip Catholic School. His career started in 1967 and ended this last season, 2016. As defensive coordinator, he helped lead St. Phil to State Championship's in 1974 and 1985. He was inducted into the St. Philip Hall of Fame and in 2002, the Michigan High School Football Coach's Hall of Fame. Also, in 1994, Jack was named the State Assistant Coach of the Year. He often said he loved preparing young men for both the physical and mental challenges they would face in the future. The influence and relationships with his player's was very special. But, dear to his heart, were the lifelong friendships made with his fellow coaches.

Jack was united in marriage to the former, Mary Martha (Chittick) Haywood in Battle Creek on December 14, 1991. Surviving is his wife of 25 years, Mary; two daughters, Rebecca (David) McGhee of Lutz, FL and Tamela Olsen of Tampa, FL; four sons, Ronald Brown of Bentonville, AR, Anthony (Keely) Brown of Rogers, AR, Christopher (Jodi) Haywood and Theodore Haywood, both of Battle Creek; seven grandchildren and a great grandson. Also surviving, his first wife, Sheridan "Sheri" (Carr) Brown of Battle Creek and is the mother of Ronald, Rebecca, Tamela and Anthony. Jack was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, William "Charlie" Brown.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, May 11th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Philip Roman Catholic Church, 92 Capital Avenue, NE, Battle Creek 49017, with Father John D. Fleckenstein, Celebrant. Interment will follow in Day Cemetery, Ross Township with the United States Marine Corps Honor Guard bestowing military honors. Family and friends will return to the St. Philip Parish Center immediately following the committal service for a time of fellowship and a luncheon. Jack's family will greet friends on Wednesday, May 10th at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jack's honor may be directed to the St. Philip Catholic Football Program, 20 Cherry Street, Battle Creek, MI 49017 or the B.C.A.C.S. Foundation, 63 North 24th Street, Battle Creek, MI 49015.