Obituary of Thomas F. Brown

Thomas F. Brown, surrounded by his wife and three children, peacefully transitioned to his heavenly home on July14, 2022. After being diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer on February 18, 2022, he elected to choose “Quality of Life” over medical therapy and chemo. The months that followed were filled with lots of love, laughter, emotional ups/downs and a reconnect with the Catholic Church. A life-long educator, coach and mentor, “Pops” is survived by his amazingly strong and beautiful wife, JoAnne (McNeel), his three children, Pam Beck, Kim Meek and Tommy Brown, his brother George Brown and 9 grandchildren Tara, Grace, Marissa Meek; Marianne and Cooper Beck; Bre, Bryce, Savannah and Jake Brown. He is predeceased by his father John Brown and mother Bernadette (Sullivan) Brown and brothers, Joe and John Brown. “Basil” was born on May 23 1942, in Pittsburgh, PA. He graduated from Morris Harvey College (Charleston, WV) in 1965 where he led the Basketball Team and met the “love of his life,” while frequenting the cafeteria where JoAnne worked as a cashier. “Gunner” received his degree in Physical Education and Social Studies. Later he received his Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from West Virginia University. Mr. Brown worked as a coach/teacher/administrator at Bridgeport High, assistant principal at Washington Irving High and Bridgeport Junior High. Coach Brown also taught and coached at Moon Area High where he had the pleasure of coaching an aspiring coach, John Calipari. Tom and JoAnne enjoyed 58 years of the adventures of marriage, raising their children, enjoying their grandchildren and living the lives of lifelong educators. “Topper” enjoyed a good cigar, playing golf, The Steelers, The Pirates, The Mountaineers, coaching/watching basketball, watching his grandkids participate in sports, laughing, telling great stories and using his wit and sense of humor to sometimes get under the skin of those he loved most. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 30 from 4-8:00 pm at Ford Funeral Home (215 East Main Street, Bridgeport WV 26330). Per Tom’s wishes, donations and condolences can be mailed to “Grace Meek” (for ongoing medical costs and education expenses) at 908 S. Highland Ave, Clearwater, FL 33756. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com. The Brown family has entrusted the care and arrangements to the Ford Funeral Home, 215 East Main Street, Bridgeport, WV.