Eldon E. Brown

1932 - 2022

Eldon E. Brown
September 13, 1932 - November 26, 2022
Santa Fe, New Mexico - Family at his side, Eldon E. Brown passed away at home in Santa Fe, NM, on Saturday, November 26, 2022 at the age of 90. He was born September 13, 1932, to A.O. and Helen Brown in Parsons, KS. The middle of three boys, he worked in the family business, Brown Oil and Tire Company, in Parsons during WWII. This instilled lifelong values of hard work, collaboration, and conviviality. Eldon graduated Parsons High School in 1951 and earned a BS 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 US Air Force in Europe as 1st Lt. Base Supply Officer, logistic support for fighter-bomber squadron. He loved France, especially Paris. After military service, he was a consulting engineer in Kansas City, MO, until 1976 when he started Brown Development Enterprises, Inc., a property development company. He managed it for ten 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 NM Environment Dept-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 & Associates in Santa Fe. He retired at 81 to Maui, HI, 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 sports fan: Go KC Chiefs, Denver Broncos, and 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; brother, A.O. Brown (Donna); sister-in-law, Mary Catherine Brown; and hanai-adopted daughter, Elaine Williams.
Graveside burial at the National Cemetery Santa Fe, NM, and celebration of life was held January 6, 2023. Memorials contributions may be made to local libraries or art museums in his name. Please visit our online guestbook for Eldon at www.FrenchFunerals.com.
FRENCH - University
1111 University Blvd. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87102
505-843-6333
www.FrenchFunerals.com