[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 134 (Tuesday, August 9, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E832-E833]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN SPECIAL RECOGNITION OF THE LIFE OF THOMAS M. BROWN
______
HON. ROBERT E. LATTA
of ohio
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I along with Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur
rise today to recognize and remember the life of a dedicated educator
and public servant. Thomas M. Brown, former mayor of Port Clinton,
Ohio, who passed away at his residence surrounded by his loved ones on
July 10, 2022. At the age of eighty-two, Tom lived a long, fulfilling
life as a career educator and committed community leader.
Tom was born on June 25, 1940 in Pomeroy, Ohio to Virgil and Nellie
Brown. After graduating in 1958 from Pomeroy High School, he attended
the University of Rio Grande, studying education. While attending Rio
Grande, Tom met his wife, Helen Hurst, and they were married on June
16, 1962. Tom and Helen were married for sixty years and had a daughter
and son: Kimberly Brown and Colonel Michael Brown.
Tom began his educational career at Plain Local Schools in Canton,
Ohio as an elementary school teacher and transferred to Port
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Clinton City Schools in 1966. During his twenty-five-year career in
education, Tom served as a teacher, administrator, and coach. He would
go on to earn a Master of Education from the University of Toledo and a
Doctorate in Public Service from his alma mater, the University of Rio
Grande.
In 1992, Tom retired from Port Clinton City Schools and began a new
career in public service. He was a senior district representative for
Congressman Paul Gillmor, and during that same time, also served as the
President of the Port Clinton City Council. Tom left Congressman
Gillmor's office after being elected Mayor of Port Clinton in 1995, a
position he would hold for twelve years.
Tom always believed in service before self. During his life, he
served as a Member of the Mayors Association of Ohio, Trustee to the
Ottawa County Community Improvement Corporation, Chairman of the
Economic Restructuring Committee of the Port Clinton Chamber of
Commerce, and on the advisory boards for The Ohio State University,
Bowling Green State University, and University of Toledo.
In his community, Tom served as president for the Port Clinton Lions
Club, Rotary Club, Education Association, and Friends of Camp Perry. He
also served his community through involvement in a number of local
nonprofits. He was an active member of the Elks Club; Ancient Accepted
Scottish Rite, 32 Degree; Oliver Hazard Perry Masonic Lodge 341;
Shriner Zenobia; and Dads Club of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2480.
Madam Speaker, we ask our colleagues to join us in paying special
tribute to the life of Thomas Brown. On behalf of the people of
Northwest Ohio, we recognize the devotion and compassion that Tom had
for his family, students, and community.
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