Thomas Brown

Thomas E. Brown, Jr. went to be with his Lord on March 25, 2022. Tommy, as he was known to family and friends, was born in Coleman, Texas on October 24, 1929 to Tom E. Brown, Sr. and Anna Cleo Bowers Brown. Tommy and his parents moved to Artesia in 1938, where his father opened Brown Pipe and Supply.

Tommy was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary Frances Gandy Brown, his parents Tom and Cleo Brown and many many dear friends and family. He is survived by his children Mary Ann Brown of Westminster, CA; Paula Brown Miller of Roswell, NM; Thomas E. Brown, III and his wife Wendy Forbes Brown of Albuquerque, NM; his granddaughters Mary Michelle Miller Pisciotta and her husband Tom of Frisco, TX; and Anna Cassidy Brown of Oklahoma City, OK. He is also survived by Mary Butcher Macaulay and her husband Phil who reside in Perth, Australia. In addition, the family would like to recognize and thank LaRue Pinson who served as Tommy's executive assistant for 54 years.

Tommy met his best friend, Ed Mitchell, when his family moved to Artesia. They learned to fly together and Tommy always joked that they both achieved their goals; Tommy got his private pilot's license and eventually a plane and Ed walked on the moon.

Tommy graduated from Artesia High School in 1947 and enrolled in Baylor University. During his time at Baylor he met Mary Frances Gandy on a blind double date. They were married on November 22, 1949 at her mother's house in Temple, Texas. After graduation they moved to Artesia and began managing the family business.

Tommy loved public service. He served on the Artesia City Council from 1956 - 62; the Police and Fire Commission, 1956 - 62; Mayor Pro Tem, 1960 - 62; Chairman of the City Planning Commission, 1962 - 63; New Mexico House of Representatives, 1966 - 82; New Mexico State Police Commission where he served as Chairman and was instrumental in the formation of the New Mexico Department of Public Safety; and a lobbyist and consultant for various oil and gas producers in New Mexico. He worked as a lobbyist for 16 years.

Tommy was a member of First Baptist Church for more than 80 years and was the long time voice of the Bulldogs as both the stadium announcer and then the play-by-play announcer for KSVP. He continued to work supplying stats for many years.

A Memorial Service is scheduled for Friday, April 8, 2022 at 1:30 pm at First Baptist Church of Artesia. The family invites you to join them for coffee,, tea and conversation in Fellowship Hall after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the unicefusa.com/ukraine