David L Brown Obituary

David L. “Red” Brown, 81, of Valentine, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on July 16, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family.

He was born on June 20, 1944, in Marfa, Texas, to W. A. “Slim” Brown and Rosamond Amelia “Flaxie” Lee Brown. Red grew up in Valentine and graduated from Valentine High School in 1962. A standout student-athlete, he qualified for the state meet in the 880-yard run in 1960 and earned a basketball scholarship to Cisco Junior College. But Red’s heart belonged to the open road. Even as a teenager, he was behind the wheel. He hauled cattle and sheep after school, on weekends, and during the summer. His first long-haul solo trip at the age of 14 took him all the way to Montana with a truckload of sheep.

Red joined his father in the family business, Brown Trucking Company, which was established in 1946, and in 1974, he founded his own operation, B & H Trucking. He took a 20-year detour into the produce business, hauling from California to the San Antonio produce market, before returning to cattle hauling in 1992. For over six decades he hauled cattle, feed, and produce across the country. He estimated he drove approximately 8 million miles over his career. Known for his fleet of classy, powerful trucks, Red was a legend among truckers.

His knowledge of the West Texas ranches was unparalleled—if you needed directions to a shipping pen, Red could get you there with explicit details about Y's in the roads, cattleguards, and other landmarks.

Red married LaNell Kelley on December 30, 1967, and together they shared 57 years of love and partnership. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and his family meant the world to him.

He was also deeply involved in the Valentine community. Red served 29 years on the Valentine ISD School Board and was a member of both the Lions Club and Valentine Volunteer Fire Department.

Red was preceded in death by his parents, Slim and Flaxie Brown, and his brothers, Freddie Clayton “Bebo” Brown and Alton Dodson Brown.

He is survived by his wife LaNell; daughters Kelley Carmen Brown and Wendy Nell Brown; grandson Kutter Baeza, all of Alpine; sister Carmen “Smokey” Hall Perez of Valentine; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Honorary pall bearers are Kirby Flippen, Roy Torres, J. E. White, III, Jim Dyer, Bill Max Robison, Arvin West, James Stradley, Tim Roberts, Clayton Hall, Gary Morton, Lonnie Flippen, Randy Farris, and Chuchi Baeza.

Red's faith in the Lord was strong. He leaves this message for all from Joshua 1:9: Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Red Brown lived big, drove far, and loved deeply. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the roads he paved.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on August 2, 2025, at Valentine Community Church, followed by a Celebration of Life at The Mercantile in Valentine, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude’s's Children's Hospital, Texans on Mission – www.texansonmission.org/hill-country-flooding/, Valentine Community Church, or the charity of your choice.