Bill Brown was born in San Antonio, Texas just before the Great Depression to Jewel Elizabeth Hodge and James Frank Brown. During his youth he earned his Eagle Scout rank and spent summers working as a ranch hand on a cattle spread near the Big Bend. After finishing two years in college, he answered the call to service for World War II and entered the United States Air Force to train as a Command Navigator. He saw service in the Philippines and Japan and was discharged with rank of Captain. Eventually he rose to the rank of Lt Colonel in the Air Force Reserves.
Bill married Mary Falbo while in Japan. Soon after returning to Texas, he attended the University of Texas where he earned his Doctorate in Psychology.
Bill was employed in Psychological Research at the School of Aerospace Medicine and Human Resource Research office. Shifting to academics, he served as Director of Counseling, Director of Counselor Education, and Professor of Psychology Services at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos. Bill also served as Director of the Upward Bound Program to help under privileged students to adapt to college demands. During this time he published ten bodies, nine standardized tests, five film strips, two motion pictures, eleven software programs and over one hundred professional publications.
After retirement, he married Dorothy Forristall and settled in Beaumont. Bill stayed professionally active chairing several symposia and read papers at national and inter-national meetings. He maintained a part-time private practice and published several short stories and novels.
An avid gardener and collector, Bill stayed active in Rotary Club and supported the American Legion and Beaumont Civic Clubs. In his final years, he dedicated himself to the care of Dorothy’s declining Health.
Bill Brown is survived by his wife of thirty years, Dorothy; four daughters and their husbands; nine grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.
His family would like to express their deepest gratitude to his caretakers and friends who made his last days warm and peaceful.
His funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 5, 2009, at Pitman Cemetery Chapel with burial to follow at Pitman Cemetery in Muldoon, Texas under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A gathering of his family and friends will be from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Sunday, October 4, 2009, at Broussard’s.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 5144, Beaumont, Texas 77726, or to Alzheimer’s Association, 700 North Street, Suite M, Beaumont, Texas 77701.
