Thomas J. Brown Jr.

Thomas J. Brown Jr., 74, died November 9, 2016 at Western Plains Medical Complex in Dodge City. He was born on August 18, 1942 at Drumright, Oklahoma, the son of Thomas J. Sr. and Elda (Pool) Brown.

Tom lived in Cushing, Oklahoma, graduating from Cushing High School in 1960. He went on to further his education at the University of Oklahoma and graduated in 1965 with a degree in Pharmacy. He married Sherry Thomas on May 5, 1963 in Cushing, Oklahoma. She survives. They moved to Ada, Oklahoma where Tom worked for a year. In March of 1966, Tom and Sherry moved to Montezuma and on January 1, 1967, they purchased Montezuma Drug, which became known as the “home of the friendly, fat pharmacist.” Tom retired in July of 2014 after 47 years of service. Tom had a passion for hunting and fishing. In 1983, he and J.R. Robertson started B&R Guide Service.

Tom had a love of community and was always willing to serve on a committee, join an organization, or help plan an event. Throughout his life he served in various community roles, including the volunteer fire department, as a Montezuma Township Trustee and also helped to bring the first emergency medical services to Montezuma. He always shared his talents and humor serving as a Shriner clown, and acting in numerous community theatrical productions.

His love for his family was also very evident. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling to Port Aransas, Texas with his wife and sons. He loved to play cards and to dance. Tom had an infectious laugh and enjoyed playing practical jokes on friends and family.

Tom was a member of the Montezuma United Methodist Church and the Montezuma Lions Club. He was a past member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to his wife Sherry, Tom is survived by sons, Thomas J. Brown, III and wife Angela of Forreston, Texas, Tim Brown and wife Jackie of Montezuma, Ted Brown and wife Amy of Haven, and Manuel Torres and wife Gala of Montezuma; one brother, Ron Brown and wife Ramona of Cushing, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Hunter and wife Taylor, Haylee, Dakota, Hayden, and Rylen Brown, Raine, Scout, Shade, and Stone Torres; great grandchildren, Gannon Brown and Kalo Gallegos. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral service will be held at South Gray High School Gymnasium, Montezuma on Saturday November 12, 2016 at 3:00 PM with Rev. Jerry Odle presiding. A private family inurnment will take place at a later time. Tom’s wishes were to be cremated. Friends may sign the book at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Montezuma on Friday November 11, 2016 from noon to 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Montezuma Library or to the Gray County Sportsman’s Club in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.