Joe Neal Brown
Joe Neal Brown, 76 of Andrews, passed away on Friday, October 26, 2018 in Odessa.
Family and friends gathered to celebrate his life at 2:00 PM Monday, October 29, 2018 at First Baptist Church, 201 NE 2nd Street, in Andrews with Pastor Brant O’Connor officiating. Interment followed in the Andrews Old Cemetery. Please celebrate his life by visiting www.mcnettfuneralhome.com
Joe was born on June 21, 1942 in Sweetwater to father, Roy Lee Brown and mother, Mary Ruby Neal Brown. He married his bride of 58 years, Maylayne Miller Brown on July 17, 1960.
He met his wife Maylayne, whom he adored and admired, in 1958, and together they were active community members in local car clubs, enjoying their neighbors and friends.
In high school Joe ran track and played football for the Andrews Mustangs. Joe attended the University of North Texas at Denton while mechanic-ing to support his growing family. Joe was a loving father to his son, Terry and daughter, Tonya.
Joe managed oil and gas fabrication companies in Odessa, Pampa, Brownwood and New Iberia, Louisiana. He loved people. Joe was a hard worker and encouraged those in his life to do the same. He had many quips which he freely gifted to any listening ear, one of which was “plan your work and work your plan.” He taught each of his children and grandchildren important life lessons about working hard and keeping the priorities in order. Moreover, Joe always encouraged with an eager spirit and spry since of humor, modelling dedication to God and his family.
Joe was a highly regarded restorer of antique cars, trucks, and motorcycles. He could usually be found in his shop under the hood of a classic car with his friends and his dog, Betsy.
Throughout his life, Joe was close to his grandsons and spent countless hours motivating, teaching and at times, entertaining them in the shop. Despite his devotion to his classic car restoration business, he always spent considerable time with his family, to whom he was always loving and supportive. A life-long learner and teacher, he would often take a “Dr. Pepper Time” when family or friends arrived at the shop, to sit in the old dusty shop chairs and share a laugh and impart some wisdom, which usually consisted of some quip, like “I’ve had worse than that on my eyeball,” “You can either be the boss or be married” or a family-favorite, “Don’t sweat the small stuff and it’s all small.”
He is survived by his wife, Maylayne Miller Brown of Andrews, his son Terry Brown and daughter-in-law Shelly Brown of Odessa, his daughter Tonya Elenburg and son-in-law Kent Elenburg of Odessa, his grandchildren Tatem Morris and husband Will Morris of Carlsbad, Carson Brown and wife Kacee Brown of Rowlett, Barrett Brown and fiancé Sara Brazell of Fort Worth, Casey Raines and husband Turner Raines of Carroll-ton, Tyler Elenburg and wife Caroline Elenburg of Richmond, Tanner Elenburg and wife Shelby Elenburg of Midland, and his great grandchildren Ainslee Morris, Jack Morris, Sadie Jo Brown, Shepherd Kent Alcantar, Ruby Rae Alcantar and Everly Grace Elenburg.
Given his long history in Andrews, his dedication, intelligence, kindness and unique sense of humor have had a tremendously positive impact on the town. His teaching, hard work, and keen mind will continue to be reflected in the strengths of his family and friends.
