Clinton Kay Brown

Clinton Kay Brown, of Wichita, Kansas entered eternal life on Nov. 19, 2021 at the age of 88. At the time of his passing, Clinton was surrounded and comforted by his wife of 67 years, Helen, along with their children and grandchildren at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice Inpatient Unit. Clinton was born on Jan. 14, 1933, in Wichita, KS and was the second child to Waneta and Albert Brown. He grew up in the neighborhood known today as Hoover's Orchard, once the most bountiful source of fruit trees on the prairie. After graduating from Wichita East High School, Clinton was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Clinton returned to his hometown after receiving an honorable discharge and started his career at Blanchat Machine Shop as an apprentice machinist. After dedicating more than 50 years to specializing in tool and die making, he retired. In early 1954, Clinton and Helen Mae Eaton were introduced on a blind date. As fate would have it, Clinton met Helen again a few weeks later while getting gas for his ‘49 Ford; she was at the station in another suitors’ jalopy. Clinton persisted, and Helen decided the man in the black leather jacket was a finer choice. They married that year, on Nov. 20. About eighteen months after their wedding, Clinton and Helen welcomed Starla Jean into their new family. Two years later in April of 1958 Darla Kay joined the growing Brown clan. In the early 60’s they purchased a house on Westridge Drive, where they continued to raise their children and create their lifelong home. In 1966, a surprise was added to the family with the birth of their son, Clinton Kay II. Early in life his passions were like most young men of the 50’s and 60’s; fast cars and slow motorcycles. Clinton and his brother, Ralph, built dragsters and spent many nights and weekends tuning their machines for the quarter mile ride. Later it was oval dirt tracks and stock car racing at 81 Speedway. In his 40’s, he pursued another venture and earned his private pilot’s license. When he couldn’t afford to purchase an airplane, he did the next best thing and built one with his hands. He loved to fish and hunt, whether it be reeling in catfish on a Kansas river, landing salmon on the bank of an Alaskan stream, chasing pheasants in western Kansas, or waiting for the elusive whitetail in a stand with Larry Cornwell. Family was always the most important part of his life, and they were never left out of the adventures that also filled his heart. Clinton took his family on vacations to the Rocky Mountains, Mount Rushmore, the giant sequoias and the Oregon coast. The Browns had long weekends in the Ozarks or Oklahoma with their best friends, the Burns and Bakers. The U.S. became too small, so it was off to Europe, where he learned they don’t serve tap water in Germany, and you need your passport to get into Luxembourg. In 2003, Clinton and Helen took the ultimate road trip up the Alaska-Canada Highway and spent a month exploring the Last Frontier. Alaska became a special place and they would continue to visit annually. During more quiet times, Clinton probably read every published Louis L’Amour and Zane Grey book, at least twice. It’s no surprise that he enjoyed reading novels that were filled with adventure, grit, freedom and tales of the American frontier.

The skilled machinist enjoyed staying busy; tending to the vegetable garden, rebuilding a Bridgeport mill in his garage or his last project, assembling miniature Blanchat banjo clocks. He always had something to occupy his remarkable mind and he kept that pace until it was time for him to go home to his Savior.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Albert Allen Brown and Waneta Ada Brown and his brother, Ralph Allen Brown. Clinton is survived by his loving wife Helen M. Brown of Wichita, KS: children, Starla J. Brown (Shane) of Wichita, KS, Darla K. Loggans (Mike) of Wichita, KS and Clinton K. Brown II (Deanna) of Anchorage, Alaska. His grandchildren: Rachelle L. Moore (James), Nicole M. Orueta (Ezequiel), Michelle D. Mincks, Clinton K. Brown III (Ericka), Natalie J. Aeschliman (Ryan) and Blake M. Loggans (Ashley). Great-grandchildren: Raven L. Thompson, Roen L. Thompson, Alex E. Orueta, Zoe L. Orueta, Clinton K. Brown IV, Liam D. Orueta, Cashe K. Brown, Kalani J. Moore and Adira Mae Mincks. Lastly his great-grand dog, Lily. Visitation 1-6 pm Monday, November 29, with family greeting friends 4-6 pm, Culbertson-Smith Mortuary, 115 S. Seneca. A memorial service will be held at First Pentecostal Church, 1755 E. MacArthur Rd, on Nov. 30, 2021, at noon. Following visitation, a burial service for family and friends will take place at Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery at Winfield, 1208 N College St. All expressions of sympathy, including flowers, honorary donations to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202, or to a favorite charity, and cards are welcome.

"When I die, remember that what you knew of me is with you always. What is buried is only the shell of what was. Do not regret the shell, but remember the man. Remember the father." ~ Louis L'Amour