Louis Brown

The Life Story of Louis Brown

Louis Brown was born on November 29, 1925 in Meridian, Mississippi, one of seven children born to Fred and Clara Brown. He loved his siblings dearly and even followed in his brothers’ footsteps, joining the military; Louis was drafted into the United States Army in the spring of 1944 and served as a Corporal in the 4036th Quartermaster Trucking Company. After the invasion of Normandy, his unit became notoriously known as the Red Ball Express; a 24-hour convoy of trucks driving to and from the front lines, supplying ammunition, fuel and numerous other supplies. Louis was officially discharged May 4, 1946, as a Staff Sergeant. After serving in WWII, he returned to Mississippi and shortly thereafter he moved to Southern California, where he continued a life of public service working for the City of Los Angeles as an equipment serviceman for 33 years and was also known as a skilled plumber in his community, well into his 90s.

Soon after moving to California, Louis met his beautiful wife, Gloria and they raised two daughters, Carolyn and Dee Dee. Louis and Gloria were avid socialites who spent their life together hosting card games, bowling and traveling the world. They were proud members of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Meridianites and often attended events across the country. Upon Gloria’s passing, Louis traditionally returned to Meridian twice a year to spend the holidays with his family, and going to his favorite hangouts, The Five Stools, Mr. Rogers and of course the required casino visit at the Pearl River Resort.

Even after nearly a century of life, Louis had his daily routine of putting on a fresh pair of Jordans, going to the park and walking a couple of miles with his walking club. Followed by breakfast with his best friend, Joe Etheredge, at his favorite spot, The Serving Spoon. After breakfast they would go to the gym for a workout and then Louis would head home for his afternoon nap to recharge for his nightlife. In the evening Louis’ other best friend, Quincy Daniels, would pick him up so they could go and get dinner and head to the “Pitbull” for an evening of fellowship, watching the Dodgers, the Raiders or the Lakers game, all while shooting pool, playing a round of cards or slamming dominoes.  

As a WWII Veteran, he had the amazing opportunity with multiple veteran organizations to visit several military functions in D.C.; The Battle of the Bulge in Belgium; Pearl Harbor in Hawaii; The WWII Museum in New Orleans; and returned to the beaches of Normandy, France, not once, but twice. But his most consistent adventures were taking the train down to San Diego to visit San Diego Honor Flight, who introduced and embraced him with well-deserved recognition of his courageous service to his country. Louis was a man of precision and lived life his way, every single day.

Louis was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Gloria; his mother, Clara; his father Fred; and his siblings Rutha Mae, Bennie Frank, Fred, Leslie, Eleanor and John Davis. Affectionately known as Papa, he is survived by his two daughters, a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. He will be missed by all that encountered his presence and his legacy will be embraced through family, friends and community in both Inglewood, California; Meridian, Mississippi and beyond. Louis lived a century of light, life and love.

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