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BORN
1910
DIED
2010
Emma Browning Obituary
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Emma C. Browning, who helped her husband, Robert, train World War II pilots at the old Robert Mueller Municipal Airport, died Friday after a brief illness. She was 99.
A longtime member of First Baptist Church of Austin, Browning was an aviation pioneer in Texas and one of the few female presidents of a general aviation company. She was inducted into the Texas Aviation Fall of Fame in 2005 and named "Austin's First Lady of Aviation."
"She was 18 when she flew her first plane and fell in love with flying right away," said Joleen Hogan, a niece living in Fort Worth. "That's because she met and fell in love with Robert Browning, a daredevil and barnstorming pilot when they lived in Abilene."
In 1930, they married, and moved to Austin in 1939 to start Browning Aerial Services and seek government contracts to train Central Texas pilots destined to fight in World War II. Although she earned a pilot's license - her husband was the teacher - Emma Browning ran the company. He taught the prospective pilots.
Emma Browning told stories of meeting Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh, who both landed in Austin with plane trouble. "Earhart needed repairs for her plane. When the parts didn't come in right away, Earhart spent a night in their home," Hogan said.
Browning's husband died in 1973; her son Robert Browning III died in 2003.
Browning sold the aerial services company in 1987, but remained active in the aviation community. The Texas Department of Transportation gave her its lifetime achievement award in 2003, honoring her for running one of the first companies to train pilots in the area.
Services for Browning are set for Wednesday at First Baptist Church.
[email protected]; 445-3632
Memories and Condolences
for Emma Browning
12 Entries
Payton Smith
January 3, 2025
Emma Carter with Dolly Parton
Butch & Crystal DeGraw
November 16, 2021
Aunt Emma was a true American inspiration. Above and beyond being a savvy businesswoman, I remember her being kind and full of life as she would always happily share the entertaining stories of her life. You will be missed Auntie M!
Grace Rea
June 18, 2010
I have often thought of Mrs. Browning since I left the Austin area. I had the pleasure of making her aquaintance while dining with a friend. I have never forgotten how a chance meeting enriched my life. The world has lost an amazing individual and a true legend. My sincere condolences to her loved ones, and those who loved her. Be blessed with the wonderful array of her memories. Rest in peace Mrs. Emma Carter Browning.
Margie (Mrs. Robert) Hogan and family
May 9, 2010
Aunt Emma was a very special part of a special family to us. Bob (her late nephew) and I enjoyed our visits with her during some of our trips to Texas. Most memorable moments are the rides in her "cadillac". I had the honor of sitting up front chatting with her while Bob quietly sat in the back. The visits may not have been many, but the memories will always be embedded in our hearts.
April 27, 2010
For many years we spent hours at Browning Aero Service at the Robert Mueller airport in Austin and Mrs. Browning and her staff always made us welcomed and she always took time out to visit with us. Although we are no longer a flight department we all remember Mrs. Browing. She was a wonderful women and had a great impact on aviation in not only Austin but all of Texas. Our sincere condolences and prayer to the family.
TXU Aviation Services (1954-2008)
Kenneth Holmes (Retired)
Aviation Manager/Chief Pilot
Kay Holmes Adamek
April 26, 2010
Mrs. Browning employed my Dad, Stuart Holmes, as a mechanic in the late 1940's. My parents never forgot it was she who loaned them the $200 for the down payment on their first Austin home. Years later my family became FBO's of the Taylor Municipal Airport where Dad was flight instructor, aircraft restorer and FAA Aircraft Inspector. In 1992 Mrs. Browning attended my parents 50th wedding anniversary. They were surprised and honored by her attendance. What a wonderful woman she has been in Central Texas Aviation History and also as part of my personal childhood memories! My sincere condolences and prayers to the family.
April 26, 2010
Aunt Emma will be greatly missed by all who knew and treasured her. Her wit, strength of character and business expertise were one-of-a-kind.
Michelle Mooney, Austin, Texas
Debra (Hogan)Robinson
April 26, 2010
Aunt Emma was a Great Lady!
Trisha Mosley
April 26, 2010
Edward and Trisha (Harris) Mosley Pasadena, TX
Ginger (Mosley) Martin Kirbyville, TX
Joy, Crystal, and Randal Harris Odessa, TX
Jane Carter
April 25, 2010
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Dee and Joleen Hogan
April 25, 2010
Aunt Emma was such an inspiration to us. We will miss our lovely visits with her, her good humor, sharp wit and stories from the past about family and aviation.
Harry & Pamela Hood
April 24, 2010
Emma was a good friend and very dear to us. We will remember her with great affection.
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
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