Paul Gordon Brown, 65 years young in spirit, passed away on August 22, 2020. He was born July 23, 1955 and was raised in Oklahoma City. He was the ornery older brother to his brother, Van, and sister, Michelle, whom he loved and adored and remained close with all his days. He went to John Marshall High School and attended the University of Oklahoma, where he pledged Beta Theta Pi and graduated with a degree in Accountancy in 1977. He started his own tax practice 34 years ago and subsequently added many other business ventures, in line with his entrepreneur spirit. Through all his accomplishments and responsibilities, his family always came first.
If you had the honor of knowing Paul, you know he loved his family fiercely. He spent 43 years with the love of his life and college sweetheart, Beth. He was the ultimate girl dad, with three daughters who adored him and whom he treasured more than anything. There was never a doubt of his pride in his daughters and grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Boss” and hung onto his every word.
He loved traveling and was happiest outdoors, whether at the beach, the lake, or in the mountains. He was always looking forward to his next trip, whether it was with his wife, kids, or his brother and sister-in-law Tom and Lisa. He enjoyed playing tennis with his buddies, golf, reading, OU football and Thunder basketball. He loved and was proud of his sons-in-law, Thomas and Kevin, and welcomed them with open arms into the family despite being a Texas Longhorn and OSU Cowboy. He was a kid at heart, always goofy, telling corny dad jokes, and no one laughed louder at his own jokes than him. He was always trying to get a reaction from Beth, and she never disappointed. He coached many of his children’s sports teams and never failed to show up for his kids’ or grandkids’ events.
He and his wife attended almost every home football game since they graduated from OU in ’77, in the footsteps of his own parents. He gets his love for OU football from his parents and his overly detailed storytelling from his dad. He was a loyal friend, maintaining many friendships from high school, his Beta brothers, and his weekly tennis group. Paul was the most trusted advisor to both clients and friends. He loved working with his daughter, and all his business ventures and golf outings with his brother and best friend, Van.
Paul truly had a larger than life presence and will be missed by all who knew him. We know and find comfort that he was greeted in Heaven with open arms by his mom and is laughing with his dear friends that were gone too soon. We know he is watching over us and will continue to guide us from above.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Sue Brown, and his grandparents. He is survived by his wife, Beth; daughters Carly Moratto, Amanda Digney and Bailey Brown; sons-in-law Thomas Moratto and Kevin Digney; grandchildren Calvin and Etta Moratto and Claire and Hattie Beth Digney; father Gordon Brown; brother Vance Brown and wife Janet; sister Michelle Robnett and husband Lance; mother-in-law Betty Briney; brothers and sisters-in-law Lisa and Tom Schooley, Sarah and Bob Burtnett, and Susan Briney; and many beloved nephews, nieces, and cousins.
The family is having a private service to celebrate Paul’s life. If you would like to attend virtually, a live stream is available at dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/Oklahoma-city-ok/paul-brown-9322148.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to Home of Hope, Paul’s personal charity of choice, at homeofhope.com.
