Obituary of Larry Allen Brown

Larry was born in 1947 in Teague, TX to J.A. Brown and Margaret (Hallum) Brown. He had the best stories to tell of his childhood growing up in rural Texas and being the youngest of three boys. They had quite the adventures. He attended North Texas State and graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a degree in Philosophy. He also spent six years in the U.S. Naval Air Reserves traveling to Spain and other locations.

Larry met the love of his life, Janie Jones, at a college pool in 1969 and they married in Duncanville, TX in 1970. They enjoyed a rich life together of travel, rock concerts, hiking and camping trips, and countless other adventures during their 53 years of married life.

Larry and Janie moved to Oregon in the late 1970s and Larry decided to become a carpenter. He completed the apprenticeship program and became a journeyman carpenter. Their years in Oregon were filled with exploring the outdoors, good times with friends, and the arrival of their cherished baby girl, Amanda. One year later they moved back to Texas to be closer to family. Then he earned his Civil Engineering degree and began his career in commercial construction management.

The family came to Amador County, CA when Larry was offered a job in the construction management of Mule Creek State Prison in Ione. Larry continued to work in construction for over 20 years and eventually retired as a Project Director from the State of California. He was most proud of his last job, a veteran’s cemetery in Shasta County.

Throughout his life, Larry was an avid astronomer. He founded the Amador Astronomical Society. His great love was teaching astronomy classes to kids and he regaled many children over the years with his “Mr. Wizard” costume and star parties. He also enjoyed being a part of the Kid’s College program in Amador County and taught his Sky and Telescope class for many, many years. Larry also found much joy in hiking and considered Round Top Peak in the Carson Pass area of the Sierras his special mountain after climbing it so many times. Larry also enjoyed woodworking and made elegant rocking horses for children amongst other projects.

Larry will be remembered for his kindness, extreme generosity and keen sense of humor and intellect. He could always light up a room with his presence. He made everyone around him feel important and loved and never lost his childlike sense of wonder, even well into his 70s. He was interested in everything and loved to share his unquenchable thirst for knowledge with others.

Larry is survived by his wife Janie (Jones); daughter and son-in-law Amanda and Pete Henry, and granddaughter and pride and joy, Petra Henry. He is also survived by his big brothers Dr. Hallum Brown and Bobby Brown, as well as many well-loved nieces and nephews.

There will be an informal Celebration of Life at the Old Sutter Creek Grammar School on Saturday, February 17th from 2:00-5:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Operation Care of Amador County and the St. Vincent de Paul Society, in Jackson, CA.