Thomas L. Brown was born September 4, 1954, in Oberlin, KS, the 3rd child of Leslie “LT” and Anna Brown. Tom’s health had deteriorated in the final years of his life, complicating injuries he sustained after a motor vehicle accident on July 21, 2026. He passed away at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook on August 12, 2026.

Growing up with siblings, Tom developed a strong competitive spirit early on. He attended Beaver Valley School, where he excelled in athletics--playing both football and basketball and running track. Summers were spent working on the farm, building terraces as well as playing baseball, where Tom was known to pitch.

After graduating high school in 1972, Tom attended Chadron State College briefly, before returning to the family farm.

Tom married Barbara Koetter in McCook, NE on April 9, 1983. To this union three children were born; Sara, Samantha, and Blair. During the kids’ childhood, all three children made many trips to “the farm” with Tom, spending countless hours tagging along. When not at the farm, Tom and the family enjoyed fishing trips to the lake or diversion dam.

Tom was known to make friends with many strangers. Some of his more well-known hobbies over the years included foosball, fishing, and card playing and—a lesser-known hobby, but none too surprising, was baking his favorite chocolate chip cookies. Tom had a love for German Shorthair dogs, breeding several litters of puppies from his dog, Trixie.

Tom enjoyed his trips to the farmer’s market, or garden patch. His favorite finds were sweet corn and Colorado peaches, never skipping an opportunity for either. It was fitting that he enjoyed peaches in his final days.

In his later years, Tom spent his weekdays with his DaVita dialysis family, completing nearly ten years of treatment. Thanks to the nurses and patients in similar health situations, Tom had a “family” and camaraderie which he valued till the end. Tom played cards 4-5 times a week, which became his favorite pastime. The friendships he developed were a big part of what kept him going.

Tom enjoyed his grandsons’ many activities, especially their sports. He had a close relationship with each of them, beginning when he started picking them up from preschool and continuing through their time at St. Patrick’s school. These after-school pick-ups often detoured before home with a trip for a donut or ice cream, which was as much Tom’s idea as the boys’.

Tom was proceeded in death by his parents, Leslie and Anna, his sister Sue Baird, his brother, Jack Brown, as well as aunts and uncles.

Tom is survived by daughter, Sara Broz (Matt) and their children Noah, Vince, Quint and Campbell, daughter Samantha, of Lincoln, NE, son Blair Brown and fiancé, Darian Krysl, brother Jim Brown (Linley) of Waco, TX, uncle and aunt Jim and Ruth Miesner of Oberlin, KS, as well as nieces, nephews and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Patrick's Catholic School, 409 East F Street, McCook, NE 69001.