Frank Elwood Brown

Frank Elwood Brown, 90, of Lake Quivira, Kansas, passed away peacefully at his home on the morning of September 18th, 2023. He was surrounded by family, ushering him on his way to his long-awaited Heavenly reunion with Jesus, his beloved wife Barbara, and dear ones, previously passed.

Frank was a follower of Jesus, family man, friend, husband, father, granddad, and great-granddad. Born in Houston, Texas on February 7th, 1933 to Elwood Henry Brown and Frances Hansen Brown. Frank grew up an independent, motivated kid, persevering through many difficult life challenges, preparing him for a life as a fervent leader and disciple.

In 1951, Frank attended the University of Texas where his hometown friend, Barbara Ann Berry, became his sweetheart in life. They married in September, 1952 at the UT chapel on campus, where above the door is inscribed “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105. Little did they know how powerfully true and important those words would become in shaping the course of their lives together. Through the hard times and the joyful times, God had His hand on them, guiding them even before they knew it.

While at the University of Texas, Frank joined the Air Force ROTC which would eventually lead him into joining the Airforce after graduating from the University of Texas with a degree in business. His active duty time in the Air Force, 1955 - 1959, solidified his love of flying. Frank returned to flying in 1962, when he joined the Tennessee Air National Guard, which would lead him into a career as an accomplished airline pilot for TWA where he worked for 24 years,1964-1988, taking an early retirement to care for his wife and pursue his other careers.

In 1964, Frank with his family of six moved to Kansas for the start of his career with TWA. On September 1st, 1966, Frank and his family moved to Lake Quivira, establishing long-lasting roots in the LQ community that started with a shared-meal with friends from church and continues on through the next generation. There, the Brown family developed deep, life-long friendships and love of water, boating, water skiing, many sports and activities, especially tennis. Frank loved to travel and explore, and it came from a desire to experience life together with those he loved dearly. He was often coordinating family get-togethers and trips, even visiting family and friends all around the world. He was an avid reader, enjoying history, biographies, and christian teachings. But his favorite book, and the one he spent the most time reading, studying, and applying to his daily life, was the Bible.

In 1978, between flying trips, a friend from church asked Frank if he wanted to buy a delivery company to which Frank replied, “Let’s see if we can just start one,” and so they did. Frank was a great salesman, and Via Express Delivery Systems grew and became Via Bancourier and eventually Via Courier. With son, Bart, and son-in-law, Mark, Via Courier continued to prosper now being led by grandson, Nate. Through all this Frank’s original vision remained: to provide jobs, serve the customer, treat the drivers fairly, and trust God with the bottom line.

Frank’s last 52 years were characterized by following Jesus, prayer, discipleship, hospitality, and generosity. His study of scripture and love of the Lord led him to support and encourage ministries and missionaries throughout the world. In 2000, Frank helped launch The Signatry, a Christian community foundation that he used to inspire others to practice what he called “radical biblical generosity”, resulting in 6000+ donors distributing over $4 Billion to 13,000+ nonprofits serving the gospel of Jesus Christ. Frank’s heart for others led him to work with men estranged from their families. He opened his home and upstairs room, ‘The Red Shag B&B’, for them to begin healing while he mentored them.

Frank was known for his generosity of presence, prayers, hospitality, kindness, love, and all that God had given him. He was welcoming to all, a connector, unifier, and especially a giver of his time. Listed below are the people he most enjoyed sharing his life and time with every chance he was given.

Frank Brown is preceded in death by his parents, sister, June Keepers and his beloved wife, Barbara Ann Brown. He is survived by four married sons and daughters – Mark and Laura Brown, Holly and Mark Bainbridge, Bart and Karen Brown, and Kelly and Lance Foster; thirteen grandchildren (and spouses) – David Brown, Kristen Erickson, Berry Brown (Ann), Chad Bainbridge (Lindsay), Nathan Brown (Lisa), Michael Brown, Courtney Bainbridge, Meredith Boroch (Tom), Graham Foster, Nolan Foster (Matilda), Annie Brock (Zach), Camden Bainbridge, and Harper Riner (Taylor); nineteen great-grandchildren - Asher Brown, Gabe Brown, Maggie Brown, Grace Erickson, Betty Brown, Clara Brown, Gwyn Erickson, Caleb Boroch, Hudson Brown, Fox Brown, Jack Brown, Hannah Boroch, Mary Boroch, Walker Brown, Silas Boroch, Ziggy Brown, Makayla Brock, Alice Brown and Atlas Bainbridge.

Visitation will be 10-11:00 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30 at the Lenexa Baptist Church. Family graveside service at the Oak Hill Cemetery, Easton, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to one of these organizations.

Pastor Serve
Honoring Frank Brown, Encourager of Pastors

Faith Comes By Hearing
Give - Faith Comes By Hearing - in the additional information box- write In Memory of Frank Brown.