Obituary of Tom Brown

Thomas Alan Brown, fondly known as Tom, passed away on July 7, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics at the age of 63. Born on January 9, 1961, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa, Tom was the beloved son of Ronald and Zoe Ann (Mantor) Brown of West Liberty, Iowa.

A proud graduate of West Liberty High School's Class of 1979, Tom was active in 4-H, FFA, and notable achievements in wrestling and track.

Tom married Diana Paul of West Liberty on August 18, 1984. Their strong love and connection for each other was seen and felt by all who knew them. They were set to celebrate 40 wonderful years of marriage this year.

Tom's greatest passion in life was his farm. He dedicated over 40 years to farming, from hog farming and drainage tiling to his true love—growing corn and soybeans. Tom's fields were renowned for their exemplary crops. Tom was a cornerstone of the West Liberty community. Over the years, he served actively in the Muscatine County Pork Producers and Farm Bureau; West Liberty Lions Club, and most recently, on the Board for American Mutual. He was a long-time member of First Church United.

Beyond farming, Tom had a passion for model railroads and old trains, an interest kindled by the West Liberty Depot where his grandfather once worked. He enjoyed playing shuffleboard, board and card games, and riding bikes with family and friends, especially on trails that were once railways. A history buff, Tom loved reading and learning about world history. Known for his ingenuity, he could "MacGyver" just about anything.

Tom's life revolved around his family, friends, and community. He cherished his family farm, a Heritage farm established in 1846 with the state of Iowa and always worked non-stop to protect it and keep the family legacy alive.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Diana (Paul) Brown of West Liberty; his daughter Jessica (Brown) Schroeder of Urbandale; son-in-law, Brian Schroeder; and his two adored grandchildren, Brayden (13) and Zoey (10) Schroeder. His foreign exchange daughter, Laure Delcampe(Vandenbeele Laurents) Tournai, Belgium. He also leaves behind his brother, Steve (Sheryl) Brown of West Liberty; and sisters, Kathy (Mark) Gervasi of Tillamook, Oregon, and Karen (Robin) Spears of Sheldon, Iowa. Sister and brother in laws, Debbie(Lindsey) Simpson, Mother and father in law Lawrence(Laura) Paul. 

His nieces and nephews include Marty (Kess) Brown, Michelle (Noel) Elizondo, Laurie (Aaron) Derby, Kristi Brown, Eric (Breann) Brown, Chris (Viola) Gervasi, Matthew Gervasi, Ryan Gervasi, Nick (Rebecca Mattke) Heath, T.C. (Brittney) Heath, Tiffany (Sid Thompson) Paul, Ryne (Jill) Paul, Janel (Zach) Tyler, Michelle (Julio) Galvan, Marla (Aaron) Griffith, and many other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Brown, and his mother, Zoe Ann (Mantor) Brown and grandparents.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 18, 2024, from 4-7 pm at First Church United in West Liberty, Iowa. Funeral services will take place on Friday, July 19, 2024, at 10:30 am at First Church United, with burial and a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Tom Brown Memorial Fund and sent to Henderson-Barker Funeral Home, PO Box 46, West Liberty, IA 52776.

Tom will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of dedication to his farm, family, and community will be cherished forever.