A resident of Baton Rouge, Ossie Brown passed away Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008, surrounded by his loving family. Survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Faye Underwood Brown; two sons, Dana Brown and wife Natalie and Kirk Brown, of Napa, Calif.; daughter, Kelli Leon; four grandchildren, Brycyn Brown, Max Brown, and Alexa and Amber Leon; and four great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents, George F. and Lovie Phenald Brown; three sisters, Mary Lenora Brown, Faye Jean Brown and Dr. Helen Brown; and three brothers, George Rudolph Brown, Dr. Raymond Brown and U.S. Army Col. Robert Wilburn Brown. Ossie Brown was born in Winnfield in 1926 to George and Lovie Brown. He was raised in Baker and graduated from Baker High School. While attending Baker High, Ossie composed the Baker High School Alma Mater. He was also elected to Louisiana Boys State and subsequently elected to the presidency of Boys State. Ossie attended LSU, where he obtained his bachelor of arts degree in pre-law. While at LSU, Ossie was given the honor of being chosen as the drum major for the Golden Band from Tiger Land. He also lettered in basketball and tennis for the Tigers and served as president of Sigma Chi fraternity. After graduating from Napa Junior College, Ossie served in World War II as a member of the U.S. Navy. Upon completing his tour of duty, he received his bachelor's and law degrees from LSU. After graduation, Ossie began his practice of law, which extended for the next 50 years. He grew into prominence as a nationally known criminal defense attorney. Ossie's list of former high-profile clients is extensive and he became known as the defense attorney who could win the cases that couldn't be won. Ossie's most memorable victory was in the 1970 My Lai massacre trial held in Fort Hood, Texas. U.S. Army platoon members were tried for war crimes allegedly committed against the Vietnamese during the Vietnam War. Ossie defended a young army sergeant by the name of David Mitchell. His client, Sgt. Mitchell, was the only defendant acquitted of all charges in the incident. Ossie had an extensive history of public service. He served as Baton Rouge City Court judge and after many years of criminal defense work, he was elected by the people of East Baton Rouge Parish to serve as the district attorney for the parish and its capital city. Ossie served as district attorney from 1972 through 1984. While serving as district attorney, he was elected president of the Louisiana State District Attorney's Association. He was instrumental in the creation of the Rape Crisis Center, the Pretrial Intervention Program, the Victim and Witness Assistance Program and I Care, which is a local drug prevention program for young people in East Baton Rouge Parish that continues today. He also authored "You and the Law," a book used in civics classes throughout the East Baton Rouge Parish school system. Because of his efforts, Ossie was chosen to serve as the chairperson for the initial I Care Week recognized in East Baton Rouge Parish. He also served on the executive council of the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement. While D.A., he was a member of the National District Attorney's Association, having served on various committees within the association, including acting as chairman of the first child abuse committee of the association. Ossie was ultimately elected to the presidency of the prestigious association in 1981. His commitment to our local community is further shown by his past service as a member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board and the executive committee of the Boy Scouts of America Istrouma Council. He was actively involved in the Muscular Dystrophy Association and served as the host for the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon for many years. He also served as the host of the Lion's Club Crippled Children's Telethon. Ossie and his family have been active members since 1964 of Florida Boulevard Baptist Church, where he taught the Fellowship Bible class for many years. Prior to that time, he served numerous churches in the capacity as music director. After leaving the East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney's Office in 1984, Ossie once again focused his efforts in the private practice of law. He ultimately retired from The Law Offices of Ossie Brown and the active practice of law in 2000. Special thanks to the administration and staff at Landmark of Baton Rouge as well as Dr. Maurice Nassar and Dr. Joseph Deumite for their friendship and years of compassionate care. Memorial donations may be made to the Louisiana Baptist Children's Home, Monroe. Visiting at Florida Boulevard Baptist Church on Friday was from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visiting resumes at the church Saturday from 9 a.m. until religious service at 10 a.m. Entombment in Greenoaks Memorial Park Mausoleum. Pallbearers will be Hillar Moore, Judge Lou Daniel, Judge Tony Marabella, Walter Monsour, John Williams and Tommy Damico. Arrangements by Greenoaks Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mrs Faye
Home at last.
Love, Helen Mezei La
Helen Mezei
September 21, 2008
Danna&Family
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. My God continue to keep you in his prayers.
Rosella&Ruth Williams
Ruth williams
September 17, 2008
Dear Mrs. Brown (Miss Faye) and family,
Please accept my sincere condolences for the passing of Mr. Brown. I have some very nice memories of the times our families spent together during my childhood. I hope all is well with you, Dana and Kelli.
Terry Brice
September 4, 2008
Dana,I am so sorry to hear about your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.
Bridget Krysan
September 3, 2008
Mrs Brown, since I have known you the last few years, you have been an inspiration and a blessing to me and my children. Please know that I am praying for you and your family in your loss of your loved one. I admired Ossie very much and all of his accomplishments.
Judy Wilson
September 3, 2008
Mrs. Brown (Chiefie) and Children,
I was so saddened to hear of Mr. Brown's death. Seems like a short while ago that I attended your wedding. May God be with you now and in the days ahead.
Sandra Campbell Parker
August 31, 2008
Mrs. Brown.
I knew Ossie when he was District Attorney. I worked for Mr. Leon Picou, District Attorney for East and West Feliciana Parish. He was a very good man. Would help anyone in need. My prayers and condolences are with you and your family at this time.
Gwen Joseph Putnam, Birmingham, Alabama
Gwen Putnam
August 31, 2008
Sunbeam is the first word that comes to mind when I think of Ossie Brown. Bro. Ossie led the children of Northside Baptist Church in Baker as we sang the sunbeam song when I was a little girl. He did so many wonderful things in his life and helped so many people. Bro. Ossie, you knew my dad, Herman Dunn. You will see him again in Heaven.
Sandra Dunn Kelly
August 31, 2008
To the family of Mr. Ossie Brown - I remember Mr. Brown mostly because one day I was driving down Sherwood Forest Blvd. and my car broke down, Cars were passing up and- down the street and no one stopped. When this car drove up and stopped. It was Mr, Ossie. He was dressed in a suit and to perfection. He was the DA at the time. He offered to help me and I told him I had just called my husband and he would be coming soon. He pulled the hood up on my car, checked what he could and waited with me until my husband arrived.He was well known, well liked well respected and such a civic leader. I remember years ago too when he was on the Jerry Lewis Telethon and said if their goal was met, he would shave his head, The goal was met and off came the hair. He was an amazing man. You can look at who his Pallbearers are, all such well known, fine prestigous men in our community to know the type of man he was. God bless all of you.
mamie Bourgeois
August 31, 2008
Dear Mrs. Faye Underwood-Brown,
I am so sad for the loss of Mr. Brown. You both were such a wonderful part of my life. My prayers and love are with you and your family. I could never express how my life was different because you were my coach at Glen Oaks and brought Ossie Brown into our life. I was always so proud to be on that team because you both made us feel so special. May God bless you in extraordinary ways and bring you peace and joy forever. You both were so wonderful to so many people. Ossie helped out family one time when my dad lost his temper with a contractor (my Dad passed in 1976) but we were always grateful for his compassionate and winning ways in the courtroom. He touched so many lives for so many years – you both were such a blessing. My condolences, thanks and love, Marti
Marti Barber Nasca
August 30, 2008
Mrs. Brown I will never forget you or Ossie during my childhood in Baton Rouge My thought's are with Dana and Kelly.
Timothy Brice
August 30, 2008
Dear Mrs. Faye Underwood-Brown,
My thoughts, prayers and memories are with you during this sorrowful time. My memories are from the days when you were my teacher/basketball coach at Glen Oaks High School (class 1961). All of us on your team used to love it when Mr. Ossie would show up for practice or a game! You and Mr. Ossie were always held very high in my esteem! Both of you molded my life in a very positive way. Thank you both for caring and making a difference, always! Prayers and love are offered for you and your family. So sorry for your loss.
Sue Copeland Thibodeaux
Sue Thibodeaux
August 30, 2008
To the family of Ossie Brown: Please know that the Konikoff family is thinking of you in your loss. My Dad, Ben Konikoff, was a dentist who was a good friend of your Dad's and worked with him at times on cases. Your Daddy was so respectful of others and made everyone feel so special. He was loved not just for his fine work but because of who he was as a human being. Take care. You are in our prayers for peace as you go through such a loss. Connie Konikoff in Lafayette, La.
Constance Konikoff
August 30, 2008
Sandy Korem
August 30, 2008
Dear faye and family i was so glad i had the chance to visit him in the nurseing home. He was a wonderful DA . much love to all susan konikoff williber
susan williber
August 30, 2008
We were friends for years. It was my priviledge to campaing for Ossie in his first victory as DA and then serve as the first Chaiman of the Pre-Trial Intervention program where he helped youg people with their first offense. He was a good man and will be missed.
Fred C. and Elizabeth Dent
August 30, 2008
Faye and family. My family knew you at Northside Baptist Church in Denham when you were pianist and he was the song director. He was loved and respected by all who knew him. God bless you at this difficult time.
Pauline Barnett Stafford
August 30, 2008
Mr Ossie was one of the greatest attornies to ever practice in Louisiana. He made an impression on me as a very young child when he assisted my Father in a case. Thank you as his family, for supporting him through he years he gave so much of his life to the public. Carolyn Hughes
Carolyn Hughes
August 30, 2008
Dana,
Please accept My deepest sympathies.
Johnny Forbes
August 30, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
THE COX FAMILY
August 30, 2008
Mrs. Brown and Family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers during these difficult times.
Tische Boudreaux
August 29, 2008
James Lilly
August 29, 2008
Once Mr. Ossie helped our Family with our dog,Smokey. He took very good care of him. He was a close Family friend for many years. There was no one like Mr. Ossie.
God Bless His Family and Friends, my Prayers are with You.
Lucinda Gaspard
August 29, 2008
faye and family My dad Dr and mrs Ben konikoff who is now deceased realley loved him as we all did. I will always treasure the honorary plaque he had made for dad as his assisant DA susan konikoff williber
susan williber
August 29, 2008
DANA, MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
FELICIA FARR TERRAL
FELICIA FARR
August 29, 2008
Dee Dee Taylor
August 29, 2008
Faye and family:
We send our love to each of you.
Thurston and Jimmie Brice
August 29, 2008
Praying for all of you at this time. I have such fond memories of Ossie and the times we spent on Sheraton Drive. He was a wonderful man, and a true servant to all who knew him. May you find comfort in the days ahead, knowing that he is now in the presence of the Lord, and I am sure that "Miss Lil", and Miss Jimmye were some of the 1st to greet him at the Pearly gates!!!
Much love to all of you.
Carolyn McCharen Pearce
August 29, 2008
Ossie was truly a Blessing to the people of Baton Rouge. His actions affect the people of BR even today. Though they do not know it. Mr Ossie will continue to Bless the people of BR till the end of time.
I will keep His Family and Friends in my Prayers. He was a very good man ,unselfish, with a giving heart.
(I am a person that was a cashier in a local resturant.)
The say you can tell a lot about a person in the way they treat those who serve them. Mr Ossie was always very good to all of us in the resturant. I Thank God for letting me get to know Him.
May God Bless,Comfort and Strengthen Ossie's Family, Amen
Cathy,Sonny,Jerry,Erica,Beth& Matthew Gaspard
August 29, 2008
May God be with you in these difficult times. We will miss you both greatly at Landmark. We were honored to have him with us. If you ever need anything let us know and you will always be welcome here.
Kimberly Byers
August 29, 2008
The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.
Eddie & Elaine Stewart
August 29, 2008
I had the pleasure of being a student of Mrs. Brown's at Glen Oaks High School and met Mr. Brown many times. It was a pleasure knowing you both. My prayers are with your family at this sad time.
Cheryl Lee Badeaux
August 29, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Jeffrey M. Beamon
August 29, 2008
May God bless the family during your season of loss.
Ethel Germany
August 29, 2008
Dana:
My brother and I both went to school with you and grew up not far from ya'lls house.
Your Dad's compassion in court saved my life and has allowed me to remain a responsible adult decades later.
My prayers to you and your family.
August 29, 2008
Gary & MaryAnn Weaver-Smiley
August 29, 2008
Dana
I played ball with you at Our Lady of Mercy Church Friday night league. Just wanted you to know I was sorry to hear about your dad. My prayers are with your family
PAT HAYDEN
August 29, 2008
Mrs. Faye, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Melisa Bento, LPN
August 29, 2008
Tara Crumedy RN, BSN
August 29, 2008
Dana, we send sincere condolences on the loss of your father...though I never met him I loved hearing all the sweet and funny memories you and your friends shared!! Danny and
Karen Daigle Johnson
August 29, 2008
Mr. Brown gave me my very first job in 1968. I will always remember him with fondness. He was a great teacher and the years I spent with his law firm were not only educational, but definitely colorful! My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you endure your grief. God be with you.
Belinda Carter Sanchez
August 29, 2008
My sincere condolences to Ossie's family. While I have not seen him in years, I remember him well as a good person and good friend. I knew Ossie almost all my life as he was a close friend of my father. Ossie's sister, Lenora, babysat me as a child. Ossie was a young man then and I took pleasure in watching him through the years as a young attorney, judge and district attorney. He was a good christian and a good attorney who simply did not lose. What a loss to this community. Frank Fasullo
frank fasullo
August 29, 2008
My children have no knowledge of the man "Ossie Brown". I intend to sit them down today and tell them about him. Every once in a while a life passes from among us that deserves our utmost respect. Such is the life of Ossie. What strikes me most about him is the word "SERVE". What I remember most is a genuine compassion that this man showed to others. May we all serve so well as he and hear those words, "Well done my good and faithful servant".
God's blessings and comfort,
Cara Smith - Goings
(Daughter of Larry and Sandra Smith)
Cara Smith - Goings
August 29, 2008
Ossie was a good friend of my Dad, Dr. Ben Konikoff and I do remember seeing him many times at my Dad's office. Please know that our hearts and prayers go out to the Brown family.
Larry & Prudence Konikoff
August 29, 2008
our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this time of sorrow. the jackson, the gray, and the william family.
mary gray
August 29, 2008
Dana,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. I remember Mr. Ossie taking us to eat after baseball games at Southeastern.
Tommy Krysan
August 29, 2008
Dana,
My husband and I both went to high school with you. Tami Thibodaux and Wade Watkins. You have our deepest sympathy for the lost of your Father. Wade lost his Dad in 1999 and we still miss him dearly. Just know, that you will see him again in the resurrection.
Tami Watkins
August 29, 2008
Dana and Natalie,
Paul and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if you need anything!
Paul and Amy Roberts
Paul and Amy Roberts
August 29, 2008
Dana and Natalie,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Chris and Kelley Jones
August 29, 2008
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Althea Grant
August 29, 2008
Thank you Ossie for taking time with me when I was a young boy being raised by a widow attending Fairfields Baptist Church, it ment a lot to me
Milton McCord
August 29, 2008
My thoughts and prayers go out to you on this sad day.
Sandra Langrasse
August 29, 2008
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
ricky croft
August 29, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May God give you the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Susan Michelli
August 29, 2008
Mrs. Faye,
I am very sorry for your loss and will be praying for you and the family.
Shannon Aucoin
(Larry G. Smith's youngest daughter)
August 29, 2008
Thank you for the opportunity you gave our Hospice in His Care staff to assist in the care of Mr. Brown. You are in our prayers.
Bereavement Coordinator
Bill Brewer
August 29, 2008
Ossie Brown was a giver to so many for so many years, and I was sorry to hear of his passing. My prayers are with the family as they go through this time of departure. May God's Words Comfort you in your time of grief, and embrace each other and friends to get through this
G. Melvin Abbott
August 29, 2008
Our thought and prayers are with The Brown Family during this most difficult time. My the following days bring you love and warmth knowing that he has gone to the Lord home to have an longer lasting life.
Just remember that he is watching his loved ones making them stronger each and everday by you thinking of all the wonderful things that you have done during the time that you all were a family.
Keep all his great gifts that God has give you in everyday prayers and you will see a brighter day ahead.
Hope Varnado
August 29, 2008
I am so sorry to hear of your loss of a wonderful person, a great family man and lawyer.
Xenia Tillery
August 29, 2008
THE STATE OF LOUSIANA HAS LOST A VERY GOOD MAN.HE WAS A FREIND TO ME AND EVERY ONE WHO KNEW HIM.HE WILL BE DEEPLY MISS. OUR PRAYER ARE WITH EVERYONE. CHERYL [ABBOTT]BALLARD
CHERYL BALLARD
August 29, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Henry Bozeman
August 29, 2008
My family prays & grieves along with the Brown family in loving memory of such a wonderful man because he helped my mother whom was a hard working divorced, single parent purchase her first home which gave our family the needed stability & confidence to make it in life...there are many more people that appreciate the help Mr. Ossie Brown provided here in the Baton Rouge area. May God bless...
S M Haynes
August 29, 2008
Thank You Ossie Brown!!
You have been an inspiration to us all.
God bless your family as you have blessed our community.
gerald haik
August 29, 2008
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