He was born Sept. 13, 1938, in Kermit, Texas, to Robert J. and Lorea (Hair) Brown. He graduated from Odessa, Texas High School and worked at various jobs until joining the U.S. Air Force in 1966. On April 29, 1967, he married Helen Epling in Odessa and lived in several places during his career. In 1977, they moved to Altus where he worked at Altus Air Force Base until his retirement in May 1986. After leaving the Air Force, he began work for United Airlines as a C-5 loadmaster instructor. Later changing their name from United Airlines to Flight Safety, Bennie retired from that job in 1999.
Muzzle loading and shooting, fishing, watching television and attending and participating in Indian pow-wows were some of his pastimes, but being with his family and friends was his favorite. He was a member of the National Rifle Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, a 32nd Scottish Rite Mason, Past Master of Altus Lodge 62 and Past Patron of the Altus Order of Easter Star Lodge 49.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister.
He is survived by his wife, Helen; one son, Robert Brown and wife Natasha; one granddaughter, Alexis Brown; two sisters, Dorothy Grizzard of Big Springs, Texas, and Cora Bell Shows and husband Dutch of Odessa; one brother, Robert Brown and wife Lawanda of Odessa; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday at Lowell-Tims Funeral Home Chapel with Mark Morey officiating. Internment will follow at the Altus City Cemetery under the direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home of Altus.
The family will greet friends today from 6 to 7 p.m. at Lowell-Tims Funeral Home.
Online tributes may be made to the family at www.Lowell-Tims.com
Post a Comment
