John Mikel Brown

John Mikel Brown “Mike” passed away at his home in Thornton on September 9, 2025. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Central Baptist Church in Thornton with Reverend Brandon Verm officiating. Graveside services with Masonic Rites will follow in the Thornton Cemetery. Ronnie Funderburk, James Henry Padgett, Chuck Wilganowski, Richard Ellison, Elbert Page, and Keith Brown will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Chris Pounders, Keith Bean, Randy Funderburk, and the Masonic Lodge of Thornton.

Mike was born October 30, 1962 in Groesbeck, Tx. to John Marion Brown and Eda Ann Brown (Robison). Mike spent most of his youth in Thornton, Texas and upon graduation from high school attended TSTC in Waco, Tx. He started his career as a butcher with Brookshire Bros. before deciding to open his own grocery store and grill in Thornton: Brown’s Grocery which he ran with the help of his mother and father. Mike also started a fish farming business with his father before beginning work with Walnut Creek Mining Co. in Bremond, Tx., where he remained until early retirement in 2023. While working at the mine he was given the nickname “Butcher” by his co-workers, a nickname he carried for the rest of his life.

Mike was an active member of his community serving on the Limestone County Fair Board. Mike was also a member of Thornton Masonic Lodge #486, Waco Scottish Rite and Groesbeck OES Chapter 810. After retiring Mike enjoyed cattle ranching and traveling with his wife Nella.

Mike was known as a man who would do anything for his friends and family, a man with a big heart and smile. He maintained many lifelong friendships throughout his life. Mike will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Mike is survived by his wife Nella Clagg-Brown, son Connor Brown and mother Eda Ann Brown and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Joyce Renee Brown, his father John Marion Brown and his younger sister Suzanne.