E. Gene Brown

E. Gene Brown (Daddy, Papa), 88, of Artesia, New Mexico, went home to be with the Lord on August 14, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. A memorial service to honor Gene's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on September 5, 2025, at Terpening and Son Mortuary Chapel. Cremation will take place under the direct care of Terpening & Son Mortuary.

Born in Cogar, Oklahoma, in 1937, Gene learned the value of hard work and family early in life. He graduated from Hagerman High School in 1955 and went on to build a remarkable life filled with dedication, perseverance, compassion, and quiet strength. Gene was married to Sally Lane Bolen for 12 years before marrying Marsha Stewart (Sutton) in April 1970, creating a blended family that became his greatest joy.

He spent many years working in the oilfields around Artesia, and alongside that, supported his wife of 55 years, Marsha, to successfully run a dairy farm. Gene was never afraid of an early morning or a long day-he valued a job well done. Outside of work, Gene found joy in life's simple, steady rhythms. He had a green thumb and tended the garden that helped to feed his family. He mowed his yard carefully and enjoyed sitting outside to appreciate the beauty of a well-kept space. He also enjoyed listening to music, reading, restoring anniversary clocks, and collecting tractors. He made it a point to repair equipment and vehicles, making sure every tool and machine was put to good use. His dedication ensured nothing ever went to waste under his watch.

Family was at the heart of Gene's life. He treasured every visit, conversation, and shared meal. His greatest joy came from spending time with those he loved. Nothing made him happier than a visit from his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Marsha Brown; daughter, Teresa Pursley of Norman, Oklahoma; son, E. Gene (Buddy) Brown Jr. of Shawnee, Oklahoma; son, Will Sutton of Seneca, Missouri; daughter, Willa Sutton of Lamar, Missouri; daughter, Debra Butson (Dennis) of Mansfield, Texas; daughter, Cindy Smith (Steve) of Odessa, Texas; daughter, Susan Richards (Lee Roy) of Artesia, New Mexico; along with 19 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, including his beloved great-granddaughter Vivian Foy.

Gene is preceded by his parents, Earnie and Elnor Brown; brothers, Cleo Brown and Bill Brown; sister, Genelle Beattie; son, William Sutton; and grandson, Colton Trevor.

Gene's life is one of dedication, kindness, and love-a life well-lived and a man deeply adored by those closest to him. His legacy lives on through the lessons he taught, the example he set, and the love he offered so freely.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to GoodLife Senior Living and Memory Care in Carlsbad and Artesia, as well as EnHabit Hospice, for the compassion with which they cared for Daddy during his final months. He expressed his admiration for the GoodLife staff and their dedicated work, which they handle with grace and dignity.