Thomas James Brown
December 4, 1950 ~ December 14, 2023
Thomas James Brown sailed off to Heaven December 14, 2023. He passed away in his home surrounded by his family.
He was born December 4, 1950, in Topeka, Kansas, to Thomas Patrick and Frances Rosalia (Finnegan) Brown. He was a 1969 graduate from Hayden Catholic High School and a 1974 graduate from Washburn University both in Topeka. He married his high school sweetheart, Katherine Sue “Kaye” Finan at Holy Name Catholic Church in Topeka, Kansas on January 5, 1971. Three sons were born to their union: Timothy Thomas Brown, Michael James Brown and Scott Patrick Brown.
Tom worked for the American Cancer Society, The Arthritis Foundation and Hanna and Associates before retiring in 1995. He then devoted his life to volunteer work for Blessed Sacrament Church and Boy Scout Troop 515. In his spare time you would find him on his sailboat at Lake Cheney where he participated in sailboat races for many years.
In addition to being a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, he was a Fourth Degree member of the Saint John Paul the Great Knights of Columbus Council #15134; he was a member and past president of the Mens club of Blessed Sacrament Church and several other Church ministries; he was active in several leadership roles of Boy Scout Troop 515; he was a member of the Serra Club of Wichita; he was a member of the Ninnescah Sailing Association; he had been active with several fund raising activities for the American Cancer Society; he delivered Meals on Wheels and was a past member of Toastmasters. While working for the American Cancer Society he was instrumental in the establishment of Camp Hope for children with cancer which was later attended by his son, Mike and and future daughter-in-law, Michelle.
He was preceded in death by his twin grandsons, Nathan Ryan and Caleb Matthew Brown; his parents, his sister, Mary Frances Lewis and his niece, Mary Eileen Gentry.
He is survived by his wife, Kaye of the home; his sons, Timothy Brown of Wichita, Michael Brown and his wife, Michelle of Bel Aire, Scott Brown and his wife Amy, of Wichita, his seven grandchildren, Jessica, Isabella, Hannah, Josephine, Dillon, Lani and Jamie; and his two nieces, Christy and Nancy Lewis of Topeka. He is also survived by Bill Dwyer - his brother by other parents.
Tom was dedicated to his Catholic Faith, to his family, his friends, scouting and sailing. He believed in giving back as was evidenced in his desire to help with Scouting and Church projects. He was a world traveler having visited Canada, Dominican Republic, England, France, London, the Holy Lands, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Paris, Portugal, Puerto Rico and Vietnam. He loved his grandchildren and taught each one to sing his favorite bar room song by the time they could talk. He had an obnoxious Christmas stocking that played Frosty the Snowman and he delighted in dancing with the grandchildren to the song.
Tom was a legend. Like all legends, his accomplishments far exceeded any imagination. For instance;He was the first person to kiss the Blarney Stone and hear: “Thank You, the honor is mine”. If you ever asked him if it was a good day for sailing, regardless of the current weather or forecast, he’d say, “let’s go out to the lake and find out”. And then, no matter what, the answer was yes. His laugh was registered with Guinness World Records as being identifiable over 300 yards. He mowed more grass than Forrest Gump. He was a chauffeur for anyone in need: Monsignors and grandkids alike. Throughout his whole life, he would always find a way to get to Mass. Didn’t matter if he was in a different city, state or country. Also didn’t matter how much pain he was in and how difficult it would be to get there - he was there. No matter what problems arose, he always knew the right person to fix it. He was a champion of helping others realize their goals; whether in scouting, athletics or, most importantly, getting to Heaven.
The man lived a legendary life and will be missed dearly.
A rosary will be said at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at Blessed Sacrament Church. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am Thursday, December 21, 2023, followed by a luncheon also at Blessed Sacrament Church. Burial will be at 2:00 pm, December 21, 2023 at Ascension Cemetery, 7200 E 45th St N., Bel Aire, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Blessed Sacrament Church, 124 N Roosevelt, Wichita, Kansas, 67208.
Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.
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A great man and a great tribute to one that lived life as God intended: using His gifts to live a full life, to make the lives of his family and those around him better, and to serve God through his extensive giving of time & faith. While his family, his friends, & our parish will miss his physical presence, his spiritual presence and the difference he made on mine and so many others’ lives will always be felt. God Bless him and his family. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.