Former Lt. Gov. Kennedy Brown passes

This article appeared in the March 2018 edition of the Chickasaw Times

ADA, Okla. – Kennedy Brown, former Lieutenant Governor of the Chickasaw Nation, died Feb. 28. He was 78.

Mr. Brown devoted his working life to serving Chickasaw people. He was an early education advocate and worked for the President Lyndon Johnson Administration in the 1960s helping Indian and non-Indian at-risk students.

“Kennedy Brown exhibited selflessness, loyalty, honesty and integrity during more than four decades of service to the Chickasaw people,” Gov. Bill Anoatubby said. “While he never sought personal attention for his work, his efforts have made an indelible imprint on the Chickasaw Nation. As a long-time friend of Kennedy, my condolences go out to all the friends and family who share such a deep sense of loss.

“While this is a sad day for the entire Chickasaw Nation as we mourn the loss of such a great man, it is important we take time to celebrate all he did to enrich the lives of his family, friends and generations of Chickasaw people.”

Mr. Brown was first employed by the tribe in 1974 when he was placed in charge of the Comprehensive Employment and Training program by then-Gov. Overton James.

In 1987, he was elected Lieutenant Governor of the Chickasaw Nation. He was Gov. Bill Anoatubby’s running mate when Gov. Anoatubby was elected to his first term as Governor of the Chickasaw Nation.

Mr. Brown did not seek re-election in 1991. He was named Special Assistant to Gov. Anoatubby, a post he held until his death.

Funeral services are 11 a.m., Monday, March 5 at Crosspointe Church of Ada. A wake service is 6 p.m., Sunday, March 4 at Criswell Funeral Home, Ada. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery near Stonewall, Okla.

Complete obituary on page 19.