Thomas Brown

Thomas Glenn Brown, age 94, died Sunday, December 27, 2020 at University of Missouri Medical Center. He was born at Sleeper in Laclede Co., Missouri and grew up in Lebanon, attending the public schools and the Congregational Church. His parents were Ray and Alma Winrod Brown. During World War II, he did essential work at Fort Leonard Wood and also in the state of Washington. When he enrolled at the University of Missouri in the College of Agriculture he continued to travel to Washington each summer for employment, graduating in January, 1949 with a bachelor's degree in Agriculture Economics. He began work with the University of Missouri Cooperative Extension Service in Ray Co., Mo., as Assistant Co. Extension Agent, later moving to Audrain Co. and to Adair Co. and Lincoln Co. as County Extension Agent. One year was spent on a dairy farm in Adair Co. He had married Mildred Graue on June 11, 1950 at Columbia and she survives. In 1957 they returned to Columbia where Tom worked as Farm Management Specialist, and also earned a Master's degree in Extension Education. For two years they lived at Raleigh, N.C. where Tom worked on a doctorate degree at N.C. State University in Economics, which he received in 1967. Tom helped write the Foresight column for the Missouri Ruralist magazine for many years. From 1979 to 1983 he served as Assoc. Dean of Extension, College of Agriculture University of Missouri, retiring in 1984 as Professor Emeritus. After his retirement he worked for the Agricultural Cooperatives of Missouri. During these busy years four children were born to Tom and Mildred. Tom was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church and also served as deacon and on many committees. He was a member of Kiwanis for 50 years, active in volunteer projects and served as President of Golden K. He was responsible for starting the program of sponsoring the National Geographic Society Geography Bees in the Columbia Public Schools and also helped establish a program for teaching children to play the harmonica. He received the Hixson Award and the Tablet of Honor. Tom received many awards and recognitions during his career at the University. In 2002 he received the Chancellor's Retiree of the Year award. He was active in volunteer work as long as possible. He and Mildred gardened, traveled, fished and camped as long as they could. Then they enjoyed living at Lenoir Woods and met many new friends there. Tom and Mildred were together for their 70th wedding anniversary on June 11th. He was most proud of his family. His children are: Ray Brown (Linda) of Fulton, Mo., Glenn Brown (Kate) of Boonville, Mo., Barbara Casady (William) of Warsaw, Ill., and Janet Martz (Erich) of Prairie Village, Kan.; eight grandchildren: Christopher Brown (Claudia), Jonathan Brown (Robin), Abbie Brown Giles (Justin), Colleen Litwiller (Joe), Sean Brown (Lisa), Corey Martz (Brittney), Paige Martz, and Dylan Martz; great-Grandchildren: Lucy, Maggie, Byron Thomas, Ben, Charlie, Molly, Rosemary, and Alice Mildred. Tom dearly loved all these people and tried to be a good influence in their lives. He is survived by one sister, Jean Wiseman, and many nieces and nephews, all of whom he liked to keep in touch with and visit when he could. Tom was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Robert and Elbert Ray; two sisters, Elaine and Janell and their spouses; sisters-in-law, Lorene G. Ray (Frank) and Jewel J. Ernst (William). Services are under the auspices of Nilson Funeral Home with a private graveside service at Olivet Cemetery. The family requests no flowers or plants. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 16 Hitt St., Columbia, MO, 65201 or to Lenoir Woods Benevolent Care, 3710 Lenoir St., Columbia, MO, 65201, or to the charity of your choice.