In Memoriam – Thomas Elza Brown
Thomas Elza Brown, aged 74, passed this life May 8, 2026 at his home in Bloomington, IN.
Thom was born April 28, 1952, in Gibson County, son of the late Cecil Laverne and Margaret Louise (Waters) Brown.
Thom loved the outdoors, his music, and his family. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend.
Playing in several bands in the Evansville area throughout the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s, Thom was known by his soaring tenor voice, creative guitar style, and songwriting. He loved Camp Ondessonk in Ozark, IL, and inspired several generations of musicians as a mainstay of campfire singalongs and gatherings. Thom was a big supporter of local music and regularly attended his son, Devin’s, performances in and around Bloomington.
Thom was most at home in the woods and shared his love of nature with many. He was an excellent land steward and took great pride caring for his property. Thom traveled extensively and had a deep connection to the American Southwest, reflected in his American Indian jewelry and art.
Thom, along with his wife, son, daughter in-law, and grandkids grew produce in Vienna, IL, on their property, Roundabout Farm, for several years and was heavily involved with the Southern Illinois Farming Network. He truly loved teaching his grandkids how to work the land.
Thom worked his entire career in the lumber industry and was a foremost expert in drying lumber. He loved wood and was an honorary member of the “Wood Heads”. He retired in 2018 from SII Dry Kilns, where he traveled throughout the country as a salesman, which suited his social personality well.
SII chairman Dan Mathews stated, “The ‘SII Family’ lost one of our family members with the passing of Thom Brown. Thom joined our team as a regional salesman in 1995 and excelled at the position until his retirement in 2017, which came early for him in order for him to be his wife’s (Terri) caregiver until her passing in 2018. I never met a more loving couple in my life. We will miss Thom but know he is back with his loving wife and two of their sons. Our thoughts are with his son Devin Brown and his family.”
If you knew Thom, you know he was a RASCAL. He had a wily sense of humor and loved to point out the “elephant in the room”.
His devious smile was infectious and his off-the-cuff joking style was legendary. Thom was a natural performer in all respects and never hesitated to put his foot in his mouth for a good laugh.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Theresa (Terri) Anne (Will) Brown; sons: Justin Will Brown and Jordan Travis Brown; siblings: Jane Elaine Wira, Walter Robert Brown, Cecilia Anne Hill, and Larry Gene Brown. Thom is survived by his son, Devin Thomas Brown (Cara Bergschneider) of Bloomington; grandchildren: Shawnee Gabriel Brown of Bloomington and Trillium Thelma Brown of Chicago; siblings Donald (Cheryl) Brown of Princeton, Lorilee Wyatt of Yankeetown, and Daniel Brown of Macon, IL. He will be missed.
“If you want to fly, then fly high. If you want to fly, better touch the sky.” – Thom Brown
The family held a small graveside ceremony, alongside Terri, Justin, and Jordan. A Celebration of Life Memorial for Thom was planned in the Evansville area.
Allen Funeral Home and Crematory 4155 South Old State Road 37 was entrusted with the arrangements and online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com
In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to the Hoosier Original Music Association
