Byron Thomas Brown left this life on February 15, 2014, due to an extended illness. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ella Avery Brown, father, Byron Luther Brown, step-mother, Betty Pass Brown, and sister, Grace Brown Sleeman. He is survived by his brother, Robert Lee, sister, Kitty Jo Herrin, and many nieces and nephews. Also surviving him are his loving wife of 61 years, Mary Grace, daughter, Deanna Lee, son, Byron Thomas, Jr., and wife Claudia.
He graduated from West End High School in 1945, served in the Navy, and earned his degree in chemical engineering from Vanderbilt University. He raised his family in Bartlesville, OK while working for Phillips Petroleum Company until retiring. He was a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, had a journal publication, and 4 U.S. patents.
A celebration of life will be held at John Ridout’s Elmwood Chapel on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014. There will be a visitation 1 hour prior and a reception following.