The Muncie Star Press, Tuesday, July 19, 2011, page 4A

Thomas Martin Brown, 55, died unexpectedly of a sudden cardiac event while visiting Kentucky.

Tom was born to Carolyn S. Brown and Raymond E. Brown (Marilyn) on August 11, 1955.

He is survived by his adoring wife, Amy (Cartwright) Brown, who is the daughter of James Cartwright (Susan) and Patricia Cartwright. He was a loving father to Jessica Brown, Craig Brown, and step-son, Eric Finley. Tom was part of a loving and large extended family. His brothers and sisters include, Michael R. Brown (Lori), Dwight Brown (Laura), Bill Brown (Regina), Susan Stiers (Bryan), Kevin Kimmerling (Lori), and Lori Striegel (Troy). He will be greatly missed by his many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Tom graduated from Yorktown High School and attended Ball State University. Tom was an avid musician and played in the Five Grand Band for 13 years, and while a member of the Center Chapel Church, he played in a praise and worship band for many years. Tom was always interested in NASCAR (although he was not a Jeff Gordon fan) and would look forward to attending races or watching any race on TV. He took great pride in being a volunteer member of the Yorktown Fire Department for 15 years. Another point of pride was being the owner of Tom Brown Auto Parts, and he continued his interest by working in the automotive industry in sales and service.

The family invites family and friends to attend visiting hours at Center Chapel United Methodist Church on 900 W./Royerton Rd., on Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. The family will also receive visitors prior to the funeral services on Thursday from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Elm Ridge Funeral Home, 4600 W. Kilgore Ave., Muncie. Funeral service will be noon Thursday at the funeral home. Burial services will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made to the Amercian Heart Association in memory of Tom.