Thomas Duane Brown was born on April 1, 1963. He passed peacefully on May 2, 2026, at Trinity Health Hospital in Livonia, Michigan, surrounded by his devoted and loving wife, Linda, and stepchildren Jessica and Emily by his side.

Tom was born in Cherry Point, North Carolina, on a Marine Corps Naval Base. As a child, he moved around quite a bit and graduated from Fallbrook High School, Class of 1981, and some College at Oakland Community. Tom later moved to Michigan, where he began to build his lifelong roots. This is where I met Tom, and we eventually got married. Tom became an immediate Stepfather and took his role very seriously, but never disrespected the man who was their father or wanted to step into his shoes. So, Tom became friends with my three children, and it later grew so much stronger. Tom became a huge part of my children's lives, and they all respected and honored him for stepping up as a father figure. Tom loved all three of our/my children and supported them mentally and financially without a question asked. He loved them as his very own each and every day. He then finally became a Grandpa of six Grandchildren. Tom was elated to say the least, to finally become a Grandfather and be called Grandpa and Gramps by his Grandson Bryce, whom he adored.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Linda; stepchildren, Emily Proctor ( Troy ), John Zebrowski Jr. ( Taryn ), Jessica Zebrowski. His Grandchildren, whom Tom loved, are: Eliana, Amelia, Penelope, Evangeline, Bryce, and Rylin. Tom's beloved dog, Sadie. Tom’s Parents, Father William Edward Brown and Mother Joyce Joan Brown. Tom’s brother, William Brown II (Alana), niece, Marissa, Aunt Diane Lammers, and Tom’s Best Friend and Brother, Jeff Dishaw (Cindy).

They say that the eyes are the window to the soul. That they function as the entry point for goodness, light, truth, and God’s word. Tom’s eyes encapsulated just that. They even danced when he laughed. He was a man of God, a friend to all that knew him, a protector, a loyal companion, and a great example of what a man, husband, and father should be. Whenever Tom was around, you could expect to experience his infectious laughter and untimely jokes. He always wore a smile and spread joy to all he encountered. Tom’s generosity and kindness were beyond measure. He never once let us go without. He was always there to lend a hand and was more than willing to help those in need.

Tom loved to play baseball and soccer as a child and in school, and was a Huge Detroit Tigers and Lions Fan. Tom loved being outside, whether it was barbecuing or simply sitting on the porch chatting with the neighbors or our family. He also loved being with his friends in the Upper Peninsula, calling it a "Little Piece of Heaven" and riding around on CanAm's, drinking a few beers.

He loved to hunt and fish UpNorth with his best friend/ brother Jeff Dishaw or even with his beloved Grandpa John Duane Lammers, aka “Gramps,” as a younger child, whom Tom loved and adored this man and spoke about his Gramps often to our family and me. Tom also had his Gramps ' initials tattooed on his forearm, "JDL," showing his true love and respect for this man.

Tom loved to Barbecue whenever he could and was “Damn Good” at it. When a Holiday was approaching, he’d get all excited about what we needed for the upcoming holiday, and we’d all Celebrate it in a Big Way with a Huge Feast and our loved ones gathered together on that day…it was always a loving and special occasion.

Tom was a “Heavy Equipment Operator” and worked for several different Construction Companies in his career, ending his career with Aristeo Construction and finally Retired in 2024.

Most of his buddies he worked with kept in touch, and that always brightened up his day.

Tom was born on a Marine Corps Naval Base where his Father was a Lieutenant Commander. His family moved around quite a bit from state to state, giving Tom the title “Navy Brat,” which is worn as a badge of honor and pride.

Tom was my best friend and soul mate, and I loved him with every bit of my heart and soul, and every day, he would say to me, how beautiful and lucky he was to have me in his life…saying, “Did I tell you I loved you today?” Well, Linda, “I love you!” and I’d say, “I love you more, Babe!”

Tom was my “Ray of Sunshine,” and I truly don’t know how I’ll ever live without him. Until we meet again, “I love you, Tom!” "Always and Forever I'll Cherish You Inside of My Heart" ❤️

A Memorial Service to Celebrate Thomas Duane Brown's Life will be held at a later date.