1931
2013
On August 21st, 2013, our loving Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Uncle and friend, Capt. Merle R. Browning (USAF, Ret.), 81, of Pineville, LA, left this world peacefully, to meet his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and be reunited with his beloved wife of 60 years, Clara "Babe" Browning.
Merle was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and patriot and shaped the lives of so many people in this world and will continue to do so in the next. Through community service, military service, service to his church and countless measures of guidance to anyone who asked, he helped make this world a better place and pave the way for new generations to enjoy a better life in this great country.
Merle was born on September 20, 1931 in East St. Louis, IL, the only son to Baptist Minister Daniel Travis Browning and Velma Louise Browning. Eventually, D.T. Browning's ministries brought the family to Dequincy, LA, where Merle settled and eventually met his beloved wife, Babe Clarke Browning, daughter of Dequincy's Joseph R. Clarke and Clara Clarke. A career in the U.S. Air Force sent Merle and Babe all over the world as they established their new family, with children Charlotte, Mark, Roger and Randy, traveling to the Far East and Europe and throughout the United States. His commitment to God, Country and Family created a solid foundation that formed his core values that never wavered up to his passing on August 21, 2013.
Following Merle's distinguished career in the Air Force, he, Babe and the family retired to their hometown of Dequincy, LA, where Merle and Babe purchased a jewelry store on Pine Street to establish Browning Jewelers. He then served DeQuincy as President of the Rotary Club, President of the Dequincy Chamber of Commerce, Deacon at First Baptist Church and confidant to adults and youngsters alike who desired his guidance. He never backed away from a challenge, never denied a favor.
In 1973, Merle began a third career with Missouri Pacific Railroad and ultimately Union Pacific Railroad as an engineer, retiring in 1996. During this time, he further served his country by serving in the Louisiana National Guard from 1981 to 1991. At this point, with kids long on their own and his work done, he did what anyone would do; he went bass fishing, moving to Toledo Bend Lake with Babe to finally settle down and get some rest.
He lived the rest of his life relaxing, traveling, and participating in every church activity available. They eventually settled in Pineville, LA where he cared for Babe as she battled cancer to the end of her blessed life when she parted this world on July 15, 2013. His heart was broken and we know that they are in each other's arms now and forever.
Merle is preceded in death by his parents Daniel Travis Browning, Velma Louise Browning, infant Grandson Daniel Ross Browning and Merle's loving wife, Clara "Babe" Browning.
Survivors include, children: Charlotte, Mark, Roger and Randy; grandchildren: Jason Barber & Jessica Chapman, Matthew & Rachel Browning and Anna Juliette Browning; great grandchildren: Anderson & Georgia Claire Cruse and Ethan Barber; daughter- and son-in-laws: Connie Browning, Dan Lindsay, Kristen Browning and Wes Chapman.
We love you, Dad, and honor the amazing life and gentle love that you so unselfishly gave to us. Your calming presence is sorely missed. Rest in Peace.
Pallbearers will be Deacons of First Baptist Church of Dequincy. All services will be at First Baptist Church of Dequincy. Visitation will be held Sunday, August, 25, 2013 from 3:00PM to 6:00PM. His funeral service will be held at 10:00AM on Monday, August 26, 2013, officiated by Rev. Gil Arthur, with a full military burial following at Masonic Cemetery in DeQuincy.
Family and friends are asked to forego sending flowers and, instead, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society in Babe and Merle Browning's name. Words of comfort may be expressed with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
September 3, 2013
Don & Mimi Gardner
Our USAF OCS Class of 58-A have lost two sterling members of our alumni association--both Merle and Babe. We will miss them, as will their many friends and their fine family. With our warmest sympathy in your loss.
September 2, 2013
Guerry and Olga Goode
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. We are praying for you and your family. Both your father and your mother will be missed.
September 1, 2013
Pam and Tommy Rutledge
Our love and prayers go out to you, the beloved family of first your great mom and now this awesome man your dad! They worked hand in hand here and will continue on in this next life still serving God's people! I loved them both so much and for so long. We hurt at their loss and lift each of you up daily. They hold wonderful memories for us both. Love Pam and Tommy Rutledge
August 29, 2013
Who will I hassle about "conservative issues". We have lost a beacon in the fight to retain this Nation's roots. Merle and Babe were "one of a kind" not to be repeated in our lifetime.
Flo and M T Smith, Weeki Wachee, Fl.
August 29, 2013
Fred Wyant
Dear family of Merle and Babe,
They both had a great run and gave it their best. They did so much for all of us! We will always cherish their memories.
August 28, 2013
Jim & Diana Brooks
To Merle and Babe's Family: It was a privilege to have known and been friends with two such great people. We will miss them!
With our deepest sympathy,
August 27, 2013
Donald Aldridge
So long, Merle. You have been true and loyal to the Lord, the nation, your family, and your friends. We will miss you. To Merle and Babe from an OCS Classmate. Donald O. Aldridge, Lt General, USAF Retired.
August 27, 2013
Please accept our condolences on the loss of your father. I know this makes it very hard on you because of the recent loss of your mother. You Dad and Mom were very good friends and will be greatly missed.
George and Betty Cochran
August 26, 2013
To Merle and Babe's family, I also was an OCS classmate of Merle. Both he and Babe were inspirations for us all. They have completed their mission here on earth and both are now on that eternal journey together. Surely, knowing that they are together is a true blessing. Ray Hamilton, San Antonio, TX
August 26, 2013
Randy and family. Joanne and I are saddened by the death of your mother and father in such a short period of time. We know you are comforted by the fact that your parents raised such a loving family. They, in turn, were comforted by your love and support during the last days of their lives.
Merle was a Lieutenant in the OCS squadron that I commanded and I will never forget his pleasant demeanor and his ability to get along with everyone.
Jay Tressler, Major, USAF, (Ret.) Tecumseh, MI
August 26, 2013
Lyssa Whitfield Weitzel
I and so many will miss Merle, he had such a wonderful impact on so many lives. His creativity and generosity were impossible not to appreciate! I am so sorry, for the loss of both Merle and Babe.
August 25, 2013
Merle was a long time friend and class mate at OCS58A. Merle a Christian man with Godly values. He will be missed. The gates of Heaven opened for Captain Merle Browning. Vincent and Julia Haney
August 25, 2013
Charles Helton
To All of Merle and "Babe's" family -- Merle and I were classmates in OCS, We were never together on any assignments during our Air Force Service. However; my wife Anne and I really became really close friends after our first post career gettogather in 2000. They were key members of our OCS 58A organization and were loved my everyone.. We will sorely miss them. God Bless Babe, Merle and your entire family .
August 25, 2013
Charlotte and family, What sadness fills our hearts for you to lose both your wonderful parents in such a short period of time. What joy to know that they are in heaven, rejoicing, together again. Our prayers are with you.
Stu and Becky Riggar
August 24, 2013
Pauline Hicks
So sorry about the loss of your Dad. He and your Mom were good neighbors here in Pineville and will be missed. Prayers for all the family.
August 24, 2013
Charles Coker
Losing Merle is like losing a close relative. His loss is deeply emotional, and the world has lost a truly exceptional man. Doubly hard is that it comes on the heel of losing his lovely wife and mother, Babe Browning. My sincere condolences to his family members.
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