Tom Herschel Browne's Obituary
Thomas Herschel Browne, of Fredonia, age 82 died Monday, December 19, 2017 at his home. Thomas was born on February 3, 1935 in Kansas City, MO. The son of Herschel O. and Irene (Prickett) Browne.
Thomas attended school in Kansas City and graduated from Shawnee Mission North High School. After graduation, Thomas enlisted into the US Air Force Reserves and was called up for the Berlin crisis in the early 1960’s.
Thomas worked for BE Hodgdon Powder Co. in Shawnee, KS for 36 years. He wrote data manuals on reloading, and also held a Federal Firearms License. Thomas had great knowledge on firearms, and he built muzzle loaders with his friend Don Robertson who also sang at his wedding.
On June 17, 1961 Thomas married Mary Jean Farwell. Thomas and Mary have been married for 56 years and she survives at their home.
Thomas was baptized as a youth in a KC Christian Church. In 1999, Thomas and Mary moved to a small farm near Fredonia. Thomas was active in the Church of Christ in Fredonia, enjoying giving hayrack rides to everyone. He appreciated the fellowship and the teaching at the church. He was also a member of the Old Iron Club, where he demonstrated the old way of husking corn to thousands of school kids.
Survivors including his wife Mary are:
Sister:
Carol Wooten of Eugene, OR
Daughter:
Vicki Lynne Phillippi and husband Carey of Tulsa, OK
2 Grand Daughters:
Emily Lay and husband Josh of Tulsa, OK
Katie Critchley and husband David of Tulsa, OK
Great Grand Children:
Benjamin Thomas and Julia Lynne Lay
Funeral services will be held Friday, December 22, 2017 at 2:00 PM at Countryside Funeral Home in Fredonia with Pastor Les Miller officiating, burial to follow at Weakley Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday, December 21, 2017 from 5-7 PM at the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com. The family suggests memorial contributions to either: Church of Christ, The Old Iron Club or Parson’s Kindred Hospice and may be left with the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Countryside Funeral Home 420 S. 20th St., P.O. Box 247 Fredonia, KS 66736
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