Michael Timothy Patrick Brown, lovingly known as Mike, was born on June 12, 1951, and passed peacefully at home in Fort Scott, Kansas, on February 8, 2026.
Mike was a loving and devoted husband, a supportive father to his daughter Talitha Ann Brown Reeves and son Kyle John Patrick Brown, the very best Papa to six grandchildren and one great-grandchild, and a thoughtful brother. He was a Vietnam veteran, a skilled carpenter, and a hardworking conductor on the BNSF Railroad.
Mike was born in Richards, Missouri, to Charles Patrick Brown and Mary Jean Goddard Brown, better known as Jane. From his teenage years on, Fort Scott, Kansas, became his lifelong home. He graduated from Fort Scott High School, where he was known for being ornery, smart, and talented in automotive class—often sneaking a smoke break during the school day. He attended Fort Scott Community College briefly with dreams of playing baseball and rodeo but instead chose to enlist in the United States Army before being drafted, proudly serving his country in the Vietnam War as part of the elite Army Security Agency.
After returning home, Mike built a life rooted in hard work and family. He worked for many years as a train conductor on the BNSF Railroad and used his gifted hands to build and remodel numerous homes throughout Fort Scott.
On January 24, 1970, Mike married the love of his life, Vicki Jo Trites, at the First Christian Church in Fort Scott. High school sweethearts, Mike and Vicki shared a carefree, lifelong love that truly embodied “till death do us part.” Anyone who entered a room with them could feel their joy—Mike teasing Vicki until she laughed so hard she cried. Mike cared for Vicki tenderly through her long and courageous battle with ALS, remaining faithfully by her side until her final breath.
Together they raised two children, Talitha Ann and Kyle John Patrick, becoming the most caring and supportive parents. Mike’s humor was never far away—like the time he directed Tally to drive over a low-water bridge just to watch her panic, leaving him and Kyle laughing the whole way. He never missed a chance for a joke, but his love and support were constant.
Mike was Papa to six beloved grandchildren: Hannah, Emmah, Hunter, Hollis, Graycyn, and Kinsley. He never missed an opportunity to spoil them. When parents said no, the grandkids knew they could “go up the hill” to Papa, who would make things right—usually with a full belly and a few dollars in their pockets. He built playhouses, shared fishing and hunting trips, taught lessons, refereed disputes, and bravely took on the job of teaching them to drive. He showed this love every single day of his life.
He was also an incredibly active and devoted great-grandfather to Harlan, who became the light of his later years. Papa ran with her, pushed her on swings, took her for drives, and happily fed her candy for breakfast—perfectly capturing his playful and loving spirit.
Mike was a steady role model to his younger brothers and sister, always ready to stand up for them, even when it meant taking a punch or two. To know Mike Brown was to love him. The mold was truly broken after him. He was the definition of a man who cares for his family until his very last breath.
He was rarely seen without a cigarette in his mouth, a fresh pack tucked into his shirt pocket, and a cup of strong black coffee in his hand. There was almost always a full pot brewing in the kitchen, ready to be poured for any friend or family member who stopped by—because sharing coffee and conversation was simply part of who he was.
He is survived by: Son Kyle Brown and wife Jamie, and grandchildren Graycyn and Kinsley of Fort Scott. Granddaughter Hannah Brandt, husband Caleb, and great-granddaughter Harlan of Hermann, Missouri. Granddaughter Emmah Dikeman and husband Miles of Fort Scott. Grandson Hunter Reeves and wife Madi of Fort Scott. Grandson Hollis Reeves of Fort Scott. Siblings Danny Brown and wife Julie; Margie McBride and husband Danny; and David Brown and wife Stacy. As well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Patrick Brown and Jane Brown; his beloved wife, Vicki Jo Brown; his daughter, Talitha “Tally” Reeves; and his son-in-law, Hunter Reeves.
A visitation will be held at the Cheney Witt Chapel on February 17, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Graveside services will follow at Fort Scott National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.