Former Eagle publisher Brown dead at 87

Posted February 3, 2015

Harry B. "Britt" Brown Jr., 87, whose great-grandfather Col. Marshall M. Murdock founded the Wichita Eagle, died at his home on Jan. 26, 2015.

Brown attended the University of Southern California, where he played football and was starting halfback in the Rose Bowl.

He graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor's Degree in English in 1946. He served seven years in the United States Marine Corps, entering as a private in World War II and discharged as a First Lieutenant during the Korean War.

Brown spent his entire career with the Wichita Eagle & Beacon Publishing Company, Inc., of which he was an owner, starting in 1947 and retiring as chairman of the board in 1979. In addition to being the publisher and president, he was an accomplished journalist and received awards for his series of articles on the Vietnam War which he covered in person.

Brown greatly prized his friendship with renowned artist Black Bear Bosin and considered this association as a "blood brother" an honor. Black Bear painted "Sun Eagle and Black Bear" in 1974 to commemorate his and Brown's "blood brother" commitment and Brown's adoption by the Bosin family.

Brown served on numerous boards including the Wichita Art Museum, served as president of the Chamber of Commerce, and was involved in numerous local charitable, civic and educational fund raising efforts. When the Kansas Coliseum was built in 1977, the main arena was named in his honor.

He was an avid art collector, a skilled single, multi-engine and helicopter pilot, and an outdoor enthusiast. He was a proficient shooter and hunter. He was a life member of Chisholm Trail Antique Gun Association and benefactor member of the NRA. His collection of WWII and Korean War USMC weapons is on display at the Eisenhower Museum in Abilene.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Ann L. Brown, and his parents, Harry B. Brown and Victoria Eaton Neff.

He is survived by his children, Cathy (Randy) Hedlund of Prairie Village, Cindy (Jim) Burgess of Wichita, Britt (Lynn) Brown of Wichita, Bruce (Sharon) Brown of Wichita; grandchildren Christy Roelke, Jeff (Allison Parker) Roelke, Libby (Simon) Quint, Lisa (Andy) Belot, Aaron Brown, Jacqueline (Derek) Bailey, Ruse (Jen) Brown, Trevor Brown, Bridget Brown; and great-grandchildren Abbie and Juliet Quint, Ollie and Britton Bailey and Bennett Brown.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to the Sedgwick County Zoo, 5555 W. Zoo Blvd., Wichita, Kan. 67212. Private family service will be held. Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. www.dlwichita.com