Stephen Edward Brown, 65, of Denton, Texas, passed away on December 23, 2025. He was born on December 19, 1960, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Paul E. Brown and Barbara D. Brown.
Steve graduated from J.J. Pearce High School in Richardson, Texas in 1979 and earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami, Florida in 1988. He later furthered his education at the St. Louis Conservatory of Music. A dedicated professional musician playing the double bass, Steve enjoyed a long and respected career performing with various Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma symphony orchestras, including many years as a member of the Dallas Opera Orchestra, the East Texas Symphony Orchestra and Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra, among many others. Music was both his profession and his lifelong passion.
Steve is survived by his loving mother Barbara D. Brown, his brothers Jeffrey N. Brown, (Pam) and Robert H. Brown, (Heather), and his sister Paula D. Jones (Will.) He is also survived by his dear nieces and nephews Liam Brown, Ryan Ecker, Jack Ecker, Amanda and Olivia Jones along with many beloved cousins, aunts, and uncles. He was preceded in death by his father, Paul E. Brown.
Steve also leaves behind his lifetime partner Arlene Droddy and extended Droddy family to cherish memories that will forever remain in their hearts.
Central to his life of course were the many orchestra musicians and colleagues he shared his professional life with over the years. Steve’s love, loyalty, and unwavering support for his family and friends were paramount throughout his life.
In his spare time, Steve loved to fish and spent many hours on the water or shoreline of north Texas lakes. He never missed an opportunity to share a picture of the catch of the day, which typically showed off the other kinds of ‘bass’. He was also a lifelong Dallas Cowboy, Texas Rangers and Miami Hurricanes sports fan regardless of their win/loss records.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the American Cancer Society, East Texas Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Opera Orchestra or other favorite music organization, or the Humane Society of North Texas.
Visitation: (Come-&-Go celebration of life with Family and Friends)
When: Saturday, February 28th 2026 from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where: Timberlinks at Denton, Clubhouse
5201 Par Drive
Denton, TX. 76208
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2025 West University, Denton, TX 76201
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

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