Harry B. Britt Brown, Jr.
January 26, 2015
Brown, Jr., Harry B. “Britt,” 87, died at his home on January 26, 2015. Preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Ann L. Brown and his parents, Harry B. Brown and Victoria Eaton Neff. He is survived by his children: Cathy (Randy) Hedlund of Prairie Village, KS, Cindy (Jim) Burgess of Wichita, Britt (Lynn) Brown of Wichita, Bruce (Sharon) Brown of Wichita. Grandchildren: Christy Roelke, Jeff (Allison Parker) Roelke, Libby (Simon) Quint, Lisa (Andy) Belot, Aaron Brown, Jacqueline (Derek) Bailey, Ruse (Jen) Brown, Trevor Brown, Bridget Brown. Great-grandchildren: Abbie and Juliet Quint, Ollie and Britton Bailey, Bennett Brown. He was the great-grandson of Col. Marshall M. Murdock, the founder of The Wichita Eagle. He attended the University of Southern California where he played football and was starting halfback in the Rose Bowl. He graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelors Degree in English in 1946. He served seven years in the United States Marine Corps, entering as a Private in World War II and discharged as First Lieutenant during the Korean War. Mr. Brown spent his entire career with the Wichita Eagle Beacon Publishing Company, Inc., of which he was an owner, starting in 1947 and retiring as Chairman of the Board in 1979. In addition to being the Publisher and President, he was an accomplished journalist and received awards for his series of articles on the Vietnam War which he covered in person. Mr. Brown greatly prized his friendship with renowned artist Black Bear Bosin and considered this association as a “blood brother” an honor. Black Bear painted “Sun Eagle and Black Bear” in 1974 to commemorate his and Browns “blood brother” commitment and Browns adoption by the Bosin family. Mr. Brown served on numerous boards including the Wichita Art Museum, served as President of the Chamber of Commerce, and was involved in numerous local charitable, civic, and educational fund raising efforts. When the Kansas Coliseum was built in 1977, the main arena was named in his honor. Mr. Brown was an avid art collector, a skilled single, multi-engine, and helicopter pilot, and an outdoor enthusiast. He was a proficient shooter and hunter. He was a Life Member of Chisholm Trail Antique Gun Association and Benefactor Member of the NRA. He was a Benefactor Member and recipient of the Grand Slam of Bears of the World Award by Safari Club International. His collection of WWII and Korean War USMC weapons is on display at the Eisenhower Museum in Abilene, KS. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to the Sedgwick County Zoo, 5555 W. Zoo Blvd., Wichita, KS 67212. Private family service will be held. Downing Lahey East Mortuary.
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What a wonderful and welcoming friend to have. I’m not sure how to describe Britt, but anything I’d say would be meant to put a smile upon his face. I wonder if he got in line to go through The Gates of Heaven, or if he put on a Safari hat or helmet and crashed through them blowing a kazoo?