Joseph Kreisel Brown

Joseph Kreisel Brown, age 86, died suddenly and unexpectedly of a heart attack on September 3, 2013 at his home in San Antonio, Texas.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Allen Brown; son, Paul A. Brown and his wife, Natasha; granddaughters, Helena Portia and Nina; brother, John (Jack) F. Brown; and several cousins. Joe was born October 16, 1926 in Denver to parents Lt. Col. (USAR Ret.) Prof. Lawrence H. Brown and Winifred Kreisel Brown, and spent his early years in Omaha, Nebraska and Des Moines, Iowa.

A Korean War Era Army veteran, Joe obtained his BA from Drake University, where he subsequently met, courted, and married (in 1961) the then Dorothy B. Allen. Joe worked at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Des Moines until he moved with his family to San Antonio in 1973 to the new Audie Murphy VA Hospital, where he served as Director for Medical Media until his retirement in 1983.

Joe was an accomplished person with many interests and skills, which he downplayed with modesty and humility, as was the custom in his Midwestern upbringing. He was a photographer, birder, and musician, with deep and abiding interests in these areas as well as cameras and optical instruments, history, classic cars, architecture, aircraft and trains, and many other topics, enriching his knowledge through life-long learning.

Joe was editor of the Leica Historical Society of America's Viewfinder magazine from 1985-1989 and was an honorary member of the society. Joe and Dorothy have been members of St. Mark's Episcopal Church. A loving and devoted husband, Joe faithfully visited Dorothy every day in the Chandler Estate's nursing care wing.

Joe's kindness and good humor leave warm memories of a good man who will be missed.

In keeping with his wishes, family and friends will gather at a simple Graveside Service at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at 2:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, a sympathy card to Dorothy would be appreciated. For those who are interested, a donation may be made to the Chandler Estate at Morningside Ministries."