Retired Master Sergeant Carleston O. Brown

It is with heavy hearts and cherished memories that we announce the passing of Carleston "Charles" Oliver Brown, a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Charles, aged 72, departed from this world on February 29, 2024, at Cleveland Clinic Euclid Hospital, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, creativity, and resilience.

Born in St. Stephen, South Carolina, on April 23, 1951, Charles was the cherished third eldest among nine siblings, born to Annie Mae (McCray) Brown and John Brown, both now deceased. His early years were marked by a sense of curiosity and a passion for exploration that would shape his amazing life journey.

Charles's commitment to education and learning was evident from his early years. His life was a tapestry woven with threads of dedication, resilience, and boundless creativity. He attended Cleveland Public Schools in Ohio, where his natural gifts were recognized and nurtured by a particular teacher who repeatedly visited the family's home to work with him. Graduating as an honor student from East High School in 1970, Charles embarked on a journey marked by astonishing academic and professional achievements that would span decades. His career path was as diverse as it was illustrious.  After a brief tenure as a gas station attendant and then as a shop floor iron worker at Republic Steel, Charles enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1971.  He served his country with distinction for over 21 years, rising to the rank of Master Sergeant.

His tenure marked by numerous accolades and commendations as a highly decorated airmen included: the Military Merit Medal for his significant contribution to military operations; Meritorious Achievement Medal for demonstrating a level of excellence, dedication and contribution to the mission of the Air Force; and Meritorious Service Medal for his exceptional leadership, performance, and contributions.  In addition, Charles received Certificates of Merit, The Suggestion Award, and History of Excellence Through Teamwork Certificate. These awards distinguished Charles for his meritorious service as a Space Systems Technician and Maintenance Instructor Supervisor, excellent performance as a Communications- Electronics Maintenance Supervisor, outstanding work as a  member of the Radar Maintenance Branch, special efforts, contributions, and service to the mission of Strategic Air Command, suggestions and contributions that led to a high level of contract quality assurance and surveillance, and effective work in the communication of electronic maintenance. His dedication to duty and steadfast commitment earned him the respect and admiration of all who served alongside him.

Charles's thirst for knowledge led him to pursue higher education and professional excellence. He obtained an Associate in Science Degree from Yuba Community College in California in 1982, an Associate in Applied Science in Electronic Systems Technology from the Community College of the Air Force in 1985, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineer from Colorado Technical University in 1995, and numerous other certifications.

After retiring from the Air Force in 1993, Charles embarked on a new chapter, joining Lockheed Martin Aerospace Company, where he shared his expertise and passion for innovation for two decades. Beyond his military service, Charles's entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly. He founded C.B. Crafts LLC, a venture that showcased his talents and dedication to quality, all a testament to his ingenuity and craftsmanship. His handcrafted creations, from flag cases to shadow boxes to plagues, adorned homes, Peterson Air Force Base, and other military installations alike, a reflection of his unique skills and talents.

Charles had a passion for flying, space, and science that permeated every aspect of his life.  From his earliest days, he could be spotted with his arms outstretched like airplane wings, soaring around the house, inspired by the child in the old Jet Cereal commercial or crafting paper planes from popsicle sticks and paper.  His love for Sci-Fi movies and shows, especially "Star Trek," was unwavering. Often likened to a black version of "Mr. Spock" for his intellect without the ears, Charles was a true visionary whose insatiable curiosity and inventive spirit inspired all who knew him. From his childhood ventures like his red wagon transport money-maker, creation of a scooter using wood and roller skates, and handcrafted doorbell for his older sister's science project to launching homemade rockets as a teenager, and ultimately securing a patent for his groundbreaking work in engineering—such as the portable minicomputer he invented for testing memories—Charles's contributions to his field were truly immeasurable.

Beyond his professional accomplishments and many talents, Charles was known for his humor and talkativeness. He found immense joy in engaging conversations, sharing jokes, and delighting others with his spot-on impression of Donald Duck. If time was of the essence, it was wise not to engage him in lengthy discussions, for his anecdotes and stories flowed like the history channel on repeat. His newfound fascination with Artificial Intelligence (AI) only fueled his enthusiasm for dialogue, enriching and extending conversations beyond the ordinary. Despite his proclivity for humor, deciphering the subtleties of his jokes sometimes required patience. A mischievous streak occasionally emerged, such as the time he playfully convinced his high school classmates that he possessed the power to make a ball vanish before their very eyes, using a bright light to blind them so he could remove the ball in a classic prankster fashion.

In his leisure time, Charles found pleasure in exercising, engaging his grandchildren, and eating ice cream, cheese toast, his brother-in-law's rice and beans, and sweets.  His commitment to physical fitness began in childhood, fueled by the joy of riding his tricycle as often as possible. As he grew, his passion for bikes led him to acquire a rare 10-speed bike, a prized possession that he rode through the neighborhood with pride. Wanting to share his love for cycling, he used a portion of the proceeds from a patent to surprise his daughter with a vibrant pink 10-speed bike, hoping to instill in her the same sense of freedom and joy he found on two wheels. As adulthood beckoned, Charles transitioned to running, traversing hills and covering countless miles with determination and vigor. His dedication to exercise mirrored his approach to life—full of perseverance, and an unyielding spirit that inspired others. His stepdaughter, who is a dedicated runner in her own right, carries forward his passion for exercise. Engaging with some of his grandsons, he found joy in playing board games, with "Stratego," the military maneuver game, holding a special place in his heart since childhood. Often engrossed in lengthy conversations with his grandsons, he shared his fascination for space and airplanes, and their dreams of becoming astronauts, igniting their imaginations with his own passions. Charles's love for sweets made candy store visits a cherished tradition, especially when accompanied by his grandsons. His fondness for them was evident in his untiring willingness to indulge their every request, he also always left the store with a pack of Twizzlers in hand for himself. In the quiet evenings, he found solace in a bowl of ice cream, savoring each spoonful with contentment.

In the final months of his life, Charles's lifelong dream of owning and driving a Tesla was partially fulfilled when his daughter and grandsons arranged a remarkable surprise—a memorable ride in a rented Tesla. In the midst of their adventure, Charles's curiosity sparked a question: "What is this?" With a playful grin, his grandson pointed to the iconic "T" emblem on the front, revealing the truth behind their extraordinary mode of transportation. With boundless joy, Charles couldn't contain his excitement.  He marveled at the sleek design and futuristic features of the car, his face lighting up as he explored every detail. Despite the resounding "Absolutely not" to his request to engage the auto-drive feature, Charles found pure happiness in simply enjoying and savoring the ride with his loved ones, an experience that would forever be etched in their hearts as a testament to the enduring bonds of family and the joy found in shared moments of togetherness.

Despite life's challenges, Charles approached each day with a staunch sense of optimism and resilience that left a lasting impact on others. He triumphed over numerous obstacles throughout his life's journey, beginning with overcoming stuttering in his childhood and navigating through his youthful days marked by a sailor's mouth. Even though he faced the constraints of poverty and limited educational opportunities, he persevered, ultimately emerging as a dedicated and exceptional professional. In his later years, "Iron Man", a name coined by his grandchildren, faced health challenges with the same determination and fortitude. In spite of his culinary shortcomings—his infamous dishes including pork and beans, grilled cheese and tomato soup, canned SpaghettiOs mixed with ground meat, and sloppy joes, not to mention his tendency to add excessive lemon extract to pancake, muffin, and waffle mixes—Charles's generosity and selflessness, particularly towards his family, were commendable. As a struggling young airman, he generously gifted his mother with the family's first color television, a testament to his caring nature and willingness to give, even in times of personal struggle. Ingenuity, generosity, perseverance, and entrepreneurship defined his character and left an indelible mark on his family.

While we mourn the loss of Charles, we also celebrate this kind, gentle, thoughtful, generous, and remarkable man whose indomitable spirit and firm resolve inspired all who knew him. His memory will forever be cherished, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Let us celebrate the gift God gave to so many.  It was a privilege.  May our reminiscences of his life be a source of comfort to all who were fortunate enough to have known him. Rest in peace dear husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend.

His parents Annie (McCray) Brown and John Brown and siblings: John Brown, Shirley (Brown) Palmer, and Taurus Carr (Donald Brown) proceeded him in death.  Charles leaves behind his beloved wife, Vivian (Elma) Brown, Euclid, Ohio and a loving family that includes his children: Teresa Brown, Fayetteville, Georgia,  Carleston O. Brown II, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Kevin Brown and Ayano Wada (Wada) Brown,  Kanagawa, Japan; stepchildren: Veronica (Callaway) and Tyson Phillips, Solon, Ohio and Michael Elma, Euclid, Ohio; grandchildren: Ty and Evan Marshall and Kia and Noah Brown; step-grandchildren: Tyson and Thaddeus Phillips; siblings: Susan (Brown) Boyd and Lloyd Boyd (deceased), Robert Brown and Winsome (Fowler) Brown, Lillian Brown Way (Brown) and Hillel Way, Ronald Brown and Andrea (Edwards) Brown, and Shelia (Brown) Burton and Lloydston Burton Sr.; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, great-nieces, great-nephews, and other extended family and friends whose lives he touched profoundly.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, March 15, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at O. Allen Gethers Jr. Memorial Chapel, 200 Grace Street, Moncks Corner, SC. Burial will be in Mexico Cemetery, Pineville, SC. Viewing will be held Thursday, March 14, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home (Moncks Corner). The service will be live streamed on the funeral home's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/gethersfh

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly welcomes donations to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America (https://www.bbbs.org/donate/)  in honor of Carleston Brown's life and legacy. However, for those who wish to express their condolences through floral tributes, flowers are also gratefully accepted.