Visitation for Mr. Charles A. Brown will be held at the Long Beach Colonial Mortuary on Friday, January 2, 2015 from 1:00 pm until 6:00 pm.

Funeral services for Mr. Charles A. Brown will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 11:00 am at Gospel Memorial Church of God in Christ, 1480 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90813.

Interment will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at 12:45 pm at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA 92518.

Obituary

Charles Alexander Brown was born to Prentiss and Christine Brown on September 2, 1932 in Los Angeles, California. He received his education in the Los Angeles and Pasadena public school systems, as well as Pasadena Junior College, before joining the United States Air Force in 1952 at the age of 19.

A member of the 6924th Security Squadron, Charles was trained in communications during the Korean War and eventually in computer technology. He became a radio interceptor, providing valuable intelligence to the Air Force Security Service during the war in Vietnam. Stationed in the port city of Danang, his unit was involved in a number of key engagements during the conflict, including the Tet Offensive of 1968. Charles retired from the Air Force in 1975, after 23 years of dedicated service. Shortly after re-settling in Los Angeles, he began working for the Consolidated Rock Products Co. (ConRock). There he was able to utilize his considerable computer skills as the firm's primary computer operator, holding down the graveyard shift and providing indispensable computer maintenance and support for company-wide operations. The ConRock Co. eventually merged with the Portland Cement Company to become CalMat Co., where Charles retired after many years of expert service.

Charles' personal life was centered around his long-time membership with the Brothers of the Sun motorcycle club, headquartered near his home in Compton. His membership began in 1978 and saw "Spiderman" – as he was affectionately known by club members – occupy many important positions within the club's ranks, including Vice President and Club Advisor. Charles travelled extensively with the Brothers of the Sun, proudly wearing his Club Colors, and serving as Road Lieutenant to help ensure members' safety during their many road trips.

Of his many virtues, Charles will probably best be remembered for his kindness and generosity. He maintained an open-door policy at his home on Poinsettia Avenue for anyone in his circle of family and friends who needed shelter or stability in their lives. He was quick to laugh, always had a pleasant demeanor, and was willing to help anyone who needed something repaired or installed, as he – like his father before him – was especially adept at working with his hands and with tools.

Charles passed away peacefully at home on Christmas Eve 2014, having accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior during his latter years. He was preceded in death by his daughter Sylvia Brown, his sisters Evelyn January and Sylvia Felder, and step-sister Sheryl Abbot. Charles leaves to cherish his memories: his brothers Theodore Brown, Arthur Ballou, Wayne Ballou and foster-brother Victor Craig; his sisters Esther Brown and Donna Davis; former wives Vivian Brown, Paulette Shannon-Thomas and Brenda Wilson-Brown; adult children and step-children Michelle Thompson, Craig Brown, Steven Brown, Mark Brown, Anthony Brown, LaDonna Roberts, Suzanne Ford, Steven Ford, Laura Sutherland, Aaron Brown, Destinie Brown, Damita Howard and Danielle Cahill; grandchildren and step-grandchildren Felicia Gasper, Johnathan Roberts, Ronald Roberts, II, Princess Nyeena Brown, Aaron Brown, II, Hunter Eugene Matys, Alana Gary and Ariana Gary; as well as cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of loving friends and neighbors. Charlie Brown will indeed be missed . . .