Joel Everett Brown Sr.

1926 - 2017

Joel Everett Brown Sr. went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, May 2, 2017, after a lengthy illness, surrounded by loved ones. Graveside Service: 2 p.m. Saturday, May 13, in Greenwood Memorial Park. Visitation: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday prior to service. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Camp El Tesoro de la Vida grief camp for children. Born in Temple to Everett and Eva Brown on Oct. 19, 1926, Joel graduated from Temple High School in 1944. He attended Temple Junior College, Louisiana State University and graduated in the Texas A&M class of 1947 with a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering. The Fighting Aggies were an inspiration. Whoop! Later he attended Southern Methodist University to work on a master's degree. On June 2, 1951, Joel married the love of his life, Sue Butler. They spent their life in Fort Worth while working for General Dynamics and Lockheed with a career spanning over 40 years. Joel loved his family deeply and was very proud of their accomplishments. Hel was an avid hunter, fisherman and outdoor enthusiast spending time with his family to teach and enjoy the hobbies he so loved. Since 1941 he enjoyed taking tours on his Harley Davidson motorcycles and was a part of the "Gray Hogs". At age 85 he was riding the mountains in Estes Park, Colo., with his son. Joel never met a stranger and could and would strike up a conversation with anyone. Those who knew him will treasure his stories and adventures. Joel was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and sister, Shirley Bilderback. Survivors: He is survived by his daughter, Susanne Brown of Fort Worth; son, Joel E. Brown Jr. and wife, Miranda, of China Spring; grandson, Jeremy Trammell of Fort Worth; granddaughters, Rebecca Brewer and husband, Jake, of Fort Worth, Malori of China Spring; great-granddaughter, Bella of Fort Worth; his devoted and loving friend, Celia Thornton; and his card playing buddy, Courtney Green.