In Special Recognition of the Life of Thomas M. Brown

Floor Speech

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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 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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