John Edward Brown

John Edward Brown, 81, of the Woodlands TX passed away on November 10, 2025. John was born in Louisville, Kentucky on February 15, 1944. His parents were Thomas W. Brown and Olinda Hohmann Brown and were stationed there during WWII. John grew up in Oklahoma City, OK and graduated from Classen High School. He attended Oklahoma State University earning a BS and an MS in Civil Engineering. While at OSU he was a member of the Delta Chi fraternity. He also met his future wife, Judy. They celebrated their 60th anniversary this year.

Upon leaving university life, the Browns drove to Livermore, California in a Volkswagen beetle where John began his career at Sandia Laboratories for six years. Son Eric Thomas was born there. The family enjoyed many camping trips in Yosemite Park. The Browns moved to Houston, Texas when John began his 30-year career with Exxon. As a structural engineer, his work involved the design of offshore platforms in Norway, Australia and Malaysia. Skiing in Norway and scuba diving in Malaysia became the recreational activities. John also jogged and worked out to keep fit. Upon retirement, John consulted on Exxon/Mobil projects and continued the overseas travelling.

When he did retire completely, John decided to tutor math at Lone Star College helping students with algebra and calculus. While a student at OSU, he had a scholarship from an Oklahoma construction company and decided it was time to pay it forward to other students. The John and Judy Brown Endowment Scholarship in Engineering has benefitted 31 students.

A trip each spring to Sonoma valley to taste wines was a highlight for John and his family, bringing back cases of wine as United luggage.

John is preceded in death by his father Tom Brown, his stepfather, Sid Berry and niece Jennifer Franks. He is survived by his wife Judy, son Eric Brown and wife Michelle of Sugar Land, mother Olinda Berry and brother Steven Brown, both of Oklahoma City, grandchildren Kelsey Brown of Fort Collins Colorado, Stephanie Donovan of Galveston, Michael Brewer of Houston and great granddaughter Claire Donovan.

John is remembered by all as an intelligent man with good morals and a likable personality and will be missed by many, especially the Windsor Hills poker buddies and the Sunday morning sports analysts in Bible class.

John was a member of the Woodlands Methodist Church and attended the men's Quest group. A celebration of John's life will be held 10:00 am Friday, Nov 21, at Woodlands Methodist Church. Donations can be made to a Food Bank or to the charity of your choice.