Cecil Emmitt Brown, 87, of Savanna, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at his home on July 3, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Cecil was born on December 3, 1938, in Kinta, Oklahoma, to Emmitt and Lola Brown. He was proud of his Cherokee heritage and carried a deep love for his family, country, and community throughout his life.

On March 12, 1962, he married the love of his life, Celia Edge, in Altus, Oklahoma. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and service to others, sharing more than 64 years of marriage.

Cecil honorably served his country in the United States Air Force for 24 years, retiring with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. During his distinguished military career, he was stationed in Libya and Thailand during the Vietnam War. His service allowed him to visit 139 countries around the world. He was the recipient of numerous military awards and commendations, including the Air Force Commendation Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal with one device, Air Force NCO Academy Graduate Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with four devices, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross.

Following his military retirement, Cecil continued his commitment to public service through his work in civil service and served as a Security Policeman at McAlester Army Ammunition Plant.

Cecil found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved spending time outdoors, working in his garden, driving his tractor, and lending a helping hand on family projects whenever needed. He was known for his strong work ethic, generous spirit, and willingness to help anyone who needed him. He also had a legendary sweet tooth and never turned down anything chocolate.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Celia Brown of the home; his sons, Mike Brown, Kevin Brown and wife Becky, and Shawn Brown and wife Melissa; his grandchildren, Dianne and Lawrence Genova, Kyle Brown, Kody and Jessie Brown, Ashley and Travis Malone, Tyler and Sierra Brown, and Jessi and Caleb Dearduff; his great-grandchildren, Carmen and Damian Genova, Kylie, Autumn, and Laney Brown, Gabriel, Gage, Gabby, and Grady Emmitt Brown, Avarie and Holdyn Malone, Kase Brown, Aubrey and Emma Ellis, and Thorin Dearduff; his sister, Joanne Brooks and husband Ed; his brother, Ronnie Brown; sister-in-law Marilyn Tadla; brother-in-law Ken Roberts; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emmitt and Lola Brown; his sister, Margaret DeWitt; and his sister, June Henderson.

Serving as pallbearers will be Mike Brown, Kevin Brown, Shawn Brown, Kody Brown, Tyler Brown, and Travis Malone. Honorary pallbearers will be Kyle Brown, Gabriel Brown, Gage Brown, Gabby Brown, Grady Brown, Holdyn Malone, Avarie Malone, and Kase Brown.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Heartland Hospice, especially Nurse Nicole and caregivers Shay, Heather, and Rhea, for their compassionate care and support. Special thanks are also extended to Visiting Angels caregivers Syrena and Aurora for their kindness, dedication, and friendship during Cecil's final days.

Cecil will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his faithful service to his country, his generous heart, and the example he set through a life well lived. His legacy of love, hard work, and service will continue through the many lives he touched.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Family will receive friends on Tuesday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home in McAlester. Services will be 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8th at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home chapel with the Memory Gardens Memorial Park being his final resting place.