Lester Brown

He was born in Bonham, Texas to Eula Mullen Brown on September 19, 1923. He moved to the Austin area when he was 5 years old and called Austin his home.

Lester was married to Norma Jean Potter on February 9th, 1946 and was married for 61 years. Norma Jean is the love of his life.

Before they were married, Lester joined the US Air Force as a radio operator. While on assignment overseas, his plane was shot down over France. The Germans were closing in on them. He was rescued by some friendly allies who helped him get him out of France by walking thru the country on Andora. Lester is the recipient of the Purple Heart. Lester's mom had received word from the Government that his plane went down and they presumed the worse. It was two weeks later that his family was informed he had made it out safely. He returned home one day before his 20th birthday.

Norma and Lester traveled the world during his career with the US Air Force. While in Germany, they adopted Vance. They continued to travel to Hawaii and Japan, then settling back in Austin in the 1960's.

Lester opened a gas station on 2222 and Dry Creek. He was known to many of the North West Austin residents as the Gas Station that provided excellent honest service. He would often pump gas, fill tires, check oil and add water without charging a single dime. If you ask anyone in North West Austin about that gas station, they can tell you about how Lester helped them get a car out of the ditch, or rescued their wife from a flat tire.

Lester is a member of the Ben Hur Shriners, Scottish Rite and the T. Neil Porter Masonic Lodge. While active with the Shriners, Lester held several terms as president of the Golf Unit.

Lester is survived by his son Vance, wife Donna, his two grandchildren, Craig and Victoria.

He was proceeded in by death by his wife, Norma Jean and his sister, Jean Smith.

Graveside Services will be at 11:00am Sunday, October 11, 2015 at Austin Memorial Park at 2222 and Mopac.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the Christopher House, Hospice Austin for the kind and compassionate care they provided. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local Hospice center.