Thomas "Tom" Bert Brown

Thomas “Tom” Bert Brown, 85, of Battle Creek, MI, went to be with his Lord and Savior, at his home on July 16th, 2025. He is also, now with the love of his life of 60 years, Karol, who preceded him in death in 2021.

Tom was born, July 10th, 1940, at home in Alma, MI to Wayne and Erma Brown. He was raised in Alma and graduated from Alma High School where he played football and ran track all four years, earning All State awards in both sports. He went on to join the Army and was trained as a field medic. What he actually did was travel Europe, playing football, and running track. When anyone would thank him for his service, he would say with a big smile on his face, “Yeah, throwing that pig skin was really hard.” He loved to share stories of his travels and experiences when serving. After his two years of service, he came home and met Karol. They met in October of 1960, engaged in November and married July 1st, 1961. In May of 1962, they had the first of their six children. In 1971, a job opportunity brought them and their five children to Battle Creek. The last of their kids was born in Battle Creek, in 1978.

Tom worked for Total Leonard Oil company in the early years of their marriage. His long term career was with Marshall Brass and Marshall Gas Controls, where he was in sales. In 1994, he was transferred to Texas. Tom, Karol and daughter, Kristin, lived there for four years before returning to their roots back in Battle Creek. Tom eventually retired from Sam’s Club where he was in sales and marketing.

Tom volunteered at the Binder Park Zoo just after retirement. He loved any Detroit sporting team, but his ultimate favorite was anything Michigan State. Tom loved to fish and hunt. Especially on Drummond Island. This tradition began just after he met Karol. He went to Drummond Island with his father-in-law and brother-in-law. But it was when he went with his sons and son-in-laws, "his boys," that Tom was truly proud and happy. They were fortunate enough to do this for over forty years.

What made Tom most proud was his family. He always smiled from ear to ear anytime he would see his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Every year he would count down the weeks to their large family vacation up north. For many decades the family rented cabins on the Platte River, in Honor, MI. This was Tom's happy place. This year going to “the cabins” will be different, but the memories of him will be shared around the campfire.

Tom is survived by his children Kevie (Scott) Anderson, Lee (Anne) Brown, Cindy Brown-Germond, Chuck (Julie) Brown, Kristin (Scott) Dukeman; sixteen grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. Sister Joanne (Carl) Mitchell, brother in-law Don (Cindy) Judge, sister-in-law Mary Ann Judge, and brother-in-law Chris Dundas.

He was preceded in death by his wife Karol, daughter Jeannette Brown, great-granddaughter Nattaly Brown, parents Wayne and Erma Brown, mother-in-law Irene Judge, father-in-law James P. Judge, brother Wayne Brown, sister-in-law Julia Brown, brother-in-law James Judge, and sister-in-law Kathryn Dundas.

The family will receive friends and family at St. Philip Catholic Church on Thursday July 24th, 2025, with the visitation at 1:30pm and funeral immediately following at 2:30. A luncheon will be served in the Parish Center after Mass. A private inurnment will be held at the Fort Custer National Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest with Karol. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.