Lt. Col. (Ret.) Robert “Russ” Brown 83, passed away Thursday, March 10, 2016. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 15, 2016 in the Holy Family Catholic Church with Father Fred Nawarkas officiating. Burial to follow in the Texas State Veterans Cemetery, under the direction of North’s Funeral

Home. The family will receive friends Monday evening from  5:00 ~6:00 p.m. with Rosary at 6:00 p.m. in North’s Memorial Chapel, 242 Orange St.

Mr. Brown was born November 1, 1932, in Louisville, Kentucky to Frank R. and Gladys L. (Casteel) Brown.

He graduated from Western Kentucky University in 1954 with a degree in Music Education. He married Jean King in 1954 in Frankfort, Kentucky. He proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1955 ~ 1975 where he retired as Lt. Colonel. He flew fifteen different aircrafts and obtaining more than 7,000 hours. He was the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was a member of the Memory Men Chorus for more than fifteen years. He was a classical chorus member for thirteen years. He was a Lifetime member of the VFW. He was a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church. He worked for Pride Refinery from 1977 ~ 1984. He was Director of the Serenity House from 1984 ~ 1991. Chapter Manager of the American Red Cross from 1991 ~ 1998 where he retired.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife.

He is survived by his three sons, Brian R. Brown and wife Teresa of Austin, Benjamin S. Brown and wife Britni of Coleman and Beau A. Brown and wife Pam of Austin. One sister, Carol Ann Rogers and husband Buck of Indiana. Three grandchildren, Bradley Brown of Austin, Patrick and Shawn Brown of Abilene. Two great-grandchildren Kaydence Brown and Landon Brown of Austin. Long time caregiver Brandon Hoover of Abilene.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the Holy Family Catholic Church 5410 Buffalo Gap Rd. Abilene, Texas 79606.