Daniel Edwards "Dan" Brabham

Daniel Edwards "Dan" Brabham, a former operator with Shell Chemical, native of Greensburg and resident of Prairieville, he passed away Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011 in Baton Rouge at the age of 69. He also formerly taught high-school chemistry and math in Tangipahoa Parish. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force Reserves. He attended the University of Arkansas and Louisiana State University, receiving a B.S. in Vocational Agriculture and numerous academic recognition's through honor societies: Omnicron Delta Kappa, Gamma Sigma Delta, Alpha Tau Alpha, Phi Beta Phi as well as Academic All-American. He played football at college and professional levels, receiving distinction as an All Southwest Conference recipient (1962) and as the third leading rusher in the SWC during his first year as fullback. He was the first round draft pick for the Houston Oilers and later traded to the Cincinnati Bengals, his career spanning from 1963-1968. He was a lifelong crusader for change, having smoking banned in his workplace in the 1980's and founding the La. Fisherman's Forum. He enjoyed genealogy (tracing his family history to Scotland and organizing reunions), hand-grabbing for catfish (featured sportsman in La. Conservationist and in a filmed documentary), aviation (acquired his pilot's license), writing poetry and music, and spinning yarns surrounded by family and friends. Additionally, he was a steam locomotive and history buff, a self-taught player of the guitar and piano, and an avid reader. There will be a visitation at Ourso Funeral Home, Gonzales, Wednesday, January 26, 2011, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Visitation will resume Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011, at Pine Ridge Methodist Church in Greensburg, La. from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. conducted by Rev. John Locascio. Interment will follow at Pine Ridge Methodist Church Cemetery, Greensburg. He is survived by his wife, Tricou "Bunny" Petit Brabham of Prairieville; sons and daughters-in-law, Bart and Mary Lou Brabham of Tulsa, Okla. and Dan Jr. and Ilusion Brabham of Jacksonville, Fla.; a daughter and son-in-law, Payton and Ricky Mincey of Prairieville; a brother and sister-in-law, David and Connie Brabham of Kentwood; four grandchildren, Josh and Luke Brabham, Darien and Zachary Mincey; sisters-in-law, Linda Craddock of Hammond and Virginia Brabham of St. Helena. He is preceded in death by his parents, William Hardy and Emma Lee Blades Brabham; brothers, Billy and Ronnie Brabham. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to (EITHER) The Sports Legacy Institute (for research on brain-related sports injuries.): P.O. Box 181225, Boston, Mass. 02118 (OR) Alzheimer's Services of the Capitol Area: 3772 North Blvd., Baton Rouge, La. 70806. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.oursofh.com.