Alexander "Alex" M. Brown

Brown, Alexander "Alex" M. 84, of Seminole, died March 29, 2016. Alex was born in Detroit, MI. He was the third of five children born to Alexander "Sandy" and Mary Brown who were immigrants from Scotland and Ireland respectively. Alex had a difficult life during the Great Depression. The family moved around a lot and he never had a stable home life. Alex struggled through his youth but eventually found his way through Catholic education and military school. He found the tools he needed to finish high school and join the Air Force in 1952. During his military service, Alex became a USAF Korean War combat wounded veteran. He was shot down in Korea on a bombing mission. He later became a member of V.F.W., American Legion, DAV and Military Order of the Purple Heart. He retired from the service due to his disability and later went on to get an education as a Mechanical Engineer. He primarily became a tool engineer and worked in the Tool & Gauge industry for several companies in MI. During those years he married Helen and had three children Melvin "Dean", Alex "Steve" and Belinda. They lived primarily in Roseville, MI and Shelby Township, MI. In 1982, he moved to Florida to assist with his disabled son and continued his trade on a limited basis. He always loved the tool and gauge business, but had he stayed in it full-time longer, he might not have lived as long as he did. It was a stressful job which buried far younger men. During the late nineties he was briefly a partner in a Tool and Gauge Company in Plymouth, MI called "Benny Gage/Zero Gage." Alex survived all his siblings Forbes, Janice, Maureen and Patsy. He was the last of a loving family who cherished their children and each other. Alex saw to the needs of his two sisters Jan and Maureen during their elderly years while caring for his own wife Helen. He was always there for his children and grandchildren. He attended many a baseball, soccer, dance recital or whatever event his grandchildren were involved in. He treasured the children as much as they treasured him. His last year was a difficult one. His prostate cancer came back to bite him. He broke his hip again and needed a portion of his lung removed due to cancer. Pain was a constant burden and he hated to medicate himself to any extreme. He put on a brave face but we all could see he was being worn down by life. He would toil taking his wheelchair in and out of his trunk to make it to an appointment or grandkid's event. He fought the good fight but father time finally caught up with him. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen. Current survivors include Melvin & Monica Brown, Steve (son), Belinda (daughter) and grandkids: Kyle, Dean, Tyler and Lilian. He has many nieces and nephews and friends who will truly miss his presence.