Bert "Buddy" E. Brown Jr.

Bert was the second oldest child and the oldest male child born to Merry Francis and Bert Brown in Cuero, Texas on July 2, 1933. At the age of six his family moved to Mercedes, Texas where he was quite active. He was a 3-year letterman in basketball, 2-year letterman in football, member of the golf and track teams, in addition to participating in F.F.A. and the “M” club. He left Mercedes to attend The New Mexico Military Academy where he was a key member of the golf team and finally went on to attend The University of Texas at Austin.

In 1953 Bert entered the military and received his wings from the Marine Corps in the fall of 1954. He was trained in fighter aircraft and extremely proud to serve in the armed forces, and represent and defend these United States. He did not see active combat while in the Corp but always considered himself well prepared and confident if the need arose. While stationed in Hawaii, Bert’s married comrade in the Corp was killed in training maneuvers. Eventually Bert married his widow, adopted her two young daughters, and later added a son to the family.

Although Bert joined American Airlines in 1959 in Chicago, he was furloughed a year later. He rejoined the Marine Corp and the family moved to Southern California where Bert was stationed at El Toro. After flying 3 years with the Marines, Bert rejoined American Airlines and was based out of Los Angeles. However, he did not completely let go of his military background and volunteered for a Military Air Command assignment as part of a U.S. military contract with American Airlines to transport troops and equipment as part of the Vietnam War effort from 1971 – 1973. He stayed with American Airlines on the west coast another year and transferred to the Dallas area in 1974. There in 1993 he completed his rewarding 34-year career with American Airlines which also included time as a certified flight instructor.

Bert retired to Lakeway Texas where he enjoyed nurturing numerous lasting friendships, making golfers happy if they were lucky enough to be teamed up with him, demonstrating his golf skills which included shooting his age 16 times, traveling, and spending time with his family. However, his greatest reward occurred in 1998 when he married his wife of nearly 24 years, Cherie.

Bert is preceded in death by his mother, father, and older sister Pat Mahan. Bert is survived by his loving and devoted wife Cherie, his sister Nancy Moskai, brother Buster Brown, sister Merry Brown, brother Mark Brown, daughter Susan Lambert, daughter Sylvia Brown-Costan, son Bert Brown III, step-son Dale Thompson, step-daughter Stacy Borgmann, 9 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.

A memorial service for Bert will be held Saturday, July 30, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Lakeway Church, 2203 Lakeway Blvd, Lakeway, TX 78734.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wcfishlaketravis.com for the Brown family.