Eldon E. Brown

SANTA FE, N.M. — Family at his side, Eldon E. Brown, 90, passed away at home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022. 

He was born Sept. 13, 1932, to A.O. and Helen Brown in Parsons. The middle of three boys, he worked in the family business, Brown Oil and Tire Co., in Parsons during World War II. This instilled lifelong values of hard work, collaboration and conviviality. Eldon graduated from Parsons High School in 1951 and earned a bachelor of science degree in civil architectural engineering in 1955 from the University of Kansas. He remained a devoted KU Jayhawks fan.

After college, he served two years in the U.S. Air Force as first lieutenant base supply officer and logistic support for a fighter-bomber squadron. He loved France, especially Paris. After military service, he was a consulting engineer in Kansas City, Missouri, until 1976 when he started Brown Development Enterprises Inc., a property development company. He managed it for 10 years then moved on to senior engineering positions in Colorado and New Mexico. Projects included airport and home construction, wastewater treatment plant repairs, municipalities infrastructure rehabilitation and modernization. He figured prominently at state and city levels in the New Mexico Environment Department — Construction Programs Bureau and the city of Santa Fe, Water Quality Division. He represented the city before city, state and federal agencies. In later years, he was senior consulting engineer with Souder, Miller and Associates in Santa Fe. He retired at 81 to Maui, Hawaii, for seven years then returned to Santa Fe, the city he loved.

Eldon was an active supporter of the arts and sought out artists in galleries and festivals. He was also an avid reader, especially poetry, and a sports fan. He supported the Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos and the Kentucky Derby.

Eldon is survived by his partner, Patricia Williams; sons, Greg Brown (Beth) and Jeff Brown; grandson, Allan Brown (Lori); two amazing great-grandkids, Aidan and Shelby Brown; a brother, A.O. Brown (Donna); a sister-in-law, Mary Catherine Brown; and hanai-adopted daughter, Elaine Williams.

A celebration of life and graveside burial was on Jan. 6 at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Memorial contributions may be made to local libraries or art museums in his name. 

Please visit the online guestbook for Eldon at www.FrenchFunerals.com.