Anthony M. Brown

Anthony Maylon Brown, age 79, passed away Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at his home in Des Moines.

Anthony was born October 23, 1945, in Des Moines, Iowa to his parents, Roy Brown, Sr. and Pauline Brown and six older siblings. He was the seventh oldest of 15 children. He was a lifelong resident of Des Moines, Iowa and at the age of one, he was awarded the title of “Baby King” by entering a contest given by the Knights of Pythias. He was educated in the Des Moines Public Schools, graduating from Tech High School in 1963. While attending Tech High School, he was active in wrestling, and made several household items such as tables and a dresser that is still being used today by his son, Shawn. Anthony took a class in mechanics and became pretty good when it came to working on cars. He also worked on his own house. He was good with his hands and soon after high school, he became a Golden Glove Champion.

To family and friends, he was known as Maylon and in the professional world, he was known as Tony. He has always been a hard worker, which he learned from his father. He worked with his dad for the Sunshine Coach, helping people with disabilities. He was also Deputy Sheriff for Polk County, was owner of a bartending company for parties and events, and at one time owned his own carpet cleaning business. He retired from MidAmerican Gas Company.

Anthony enjoyed playing cards, betting on the dog races, and taking his family horse back riding. He was always seen out walking and talking to people and he loved to travel. Tony was a true people person and those who knew him quickly came to love and respect him. During his children’s younger years, he dedicated much of his time to coaching youth boxing, sports, track and field, baseball, and wrestling. Anthony was very affluent in the community in volunteer roles and political activism.

Anthony is survived by his children, Royca Irvin of Las Vegas, NV, Anthony Jones (Melinda) of Rochester, MN, Shawn Brown (Kay) of Brooklyn Center, MN, Angela Brown of Des Moines, IA, and Jay Williams of Port Orchard, WA; grandchildren, Shawn Brown, Jr. (Mallory) (MN), Tianna Brown (MN), Jordan Brown (MN), Kaylon Brown (IA), Keonna Mankowski (NV), Kayla Adams (KT), Bryce Shirley (WA), Jeffrey D. Williams (WA), Tony Carter (MN), Marleta Jones (TX), Regina Jones (TX), Satonio Davis (MN), Azra Jones (MN), Jaikub Jones (MN), and Aja Jones (MN); and a host of great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his siblings, Betty Quinn (IA), Barbara McKay (IA), Janet Carter (CA), Janis Brown (CO), Delores Miller (IA), Paul Brown (OH), Terri Brown (IA), Paula Brown (IA), Sandra Bragg (CO), Marlene Ackiss (CO), and Jenny Fowler (AZ); as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other extended family, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Brown; parents, Roy Brown, Sr. and Pauline Marinda Brown; and his brothers, Charles Brown, Jesse Brown, and Roy Brown, Jr.

Services will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., followed by funeral service at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Anthony.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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