John Earl "Poppy" Brown

John Earl “Poppy” Brown, 64, of Winfield, passed away Tuesday, October 4, 2016, at St. Mary’s after a long battle with cancer. Poppy was born June 10, 1952 to the late Jesse and Agnes Brown. He graduated from Poca High School where he was an outstanding football player and where he fell in love with his wife Debbie of over 47 years. John was a member of the Rock Branch Independent Church, former Sunday school teacher and loved listening to Willie, Waylon and Gospel music. He was a proud union pipefitter and retired from the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local #521. He also worked on the 930 Crew at Bayer Plant in Institute and worked at Putnam Fabricating in Poca in the early years. Poppy embraced life with passion and had the highest love for his children and family. He was a dedicated Winfield General fan and supported his sons and grandchildren and their teammatesin all sports they participated in and never missed a game. He was a faithful husband, proud father and father-in-law, doting grandfather and great grandfather and a caring brother. He was a true family man, a trusted friend and never knew a stranger. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his infant grandson Jeremiah Brown, his loving niece Treasa Brown Russell, his mother and father-in-law Faye and Jack Cochran, and uncle Dagie. Johnny Brown left behind a legacy of his faith and resilience and he continued to thank God daily for giving him the life he loved. Left to cherish all the memories of their life together traveling, family vacations and numerous morning sunrises and sunset evenings on their porch, is his wife Debbie of Winfield; sons, John Brown (Melea) of Sissonvile, Craig Brown (Vee) of Winfield, and Jeremy Brown (Kara) of Winfield; sister, Margie Brown Cook of Charleston; brothers, Willard “Buck” Brown (Kathy) of Red House, and twin brother, Tom Brown (Patty) of Poca; sister-in-law Cindy Nichols (Rick) of Winfield, Kim Cunningham (Sam) of Winfield; brother-in-law Jay Cochran (Jodi) of Winfield; grandchildren, Ashley Powers (Christian), Tyler Burdette Brown, Holly Hescht (Nathan), Toby Brown (Mallory), Karleigh Brown and Brycen Brown; great-grandchildren, Ellianna “Ellie” Powers, Rogan Powers, Dawson Powers, Sutton Hescht, and Emersyn Brown, due in November; and a host of other extended family. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, October 8, 2016 at Rock Branch Independent Church at 133 Cross Lanes Drive, Nitro, with Pastor Delbert Hawley and Pastor Jeff Arthur officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 11:00am to 1:00pm at the church. Burial will follow in the Haven of Rest Memorial Park, Red House, following the service. You may share memories or condolences with the Brown family at www.chapmanfuneralhomes.com In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942 Chapman Funeral Home, family owned and located at Winfield is honored to serve the Brown family.

John Earl "Poppy" Brown

June 10, 1952 - October 4, 2016