Robert Collins Brownlee

1935 ∼ 2017

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2017, for Robert Collins Brownlee, a long-time resident of Port Arthur and patron of St. Catherine of Sienna Church and School. Mr. Brownlee passed away on Friday, March 17, 2017, after a brief illness. The 10:00 a.m. funeral mass at St. Catherine's Church will be led by Rev. Kevin Badeaux, friend of the family and assisted by Father Rodell Faller, Pastor of St. Catherine's. Entombment at Greenlawn Memorial Cemetery in the Mausoleum will immediately follow. The family will receive visitors at the church at 9:30am. Survivors include the love of his life, wife Betty of 56 years, His children: Marianna Brownlee Parks, husband Vince, children Matthew, Collin and Kathleen (Buckeye AZ); Donna Brownlee Hunter, husband Tommy, children Travis and Allison (The Woodlands TX); Robert C. Brownlee, Jr., wife Tammy, children Laney and Chastity, husband Matthew (St. Amant LA); Susan Kathryn Brownlee (Houston TX). Survivors also include siblings Claire Brownlee Barras and Laurel Augusta Brownlee, both of Port Arthur. He was preceded in death by parents Laurel A. Brownlee and Corine C. Conrad Brownlee. Mr. Brownlee graduated Thomas Jefferson High School, Class of 1953 and joined the U.S. Marine Corp. He spent Christmas of 1953 aboard a troop ship headed to Korea as a member of F/2/1 and was deployed north of the Imjim River. Upon completion of his service Sgt. Brownlee returned home to attend the University of Southwestern Louisiana, Lafayette, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. He married Betty Trahan of New Iberia, La. and after graduation took a job with E.I. DuPont de Nemours in Kinston, North Carolina. Later he transferred to DuPont's Seaford plant and then finally to Sabine River Works in Orange, Texas. He worked, initially, in maintenance but soon moved into project work specializing in high pressure extruders. He supported both the design, installation and commissioning of this equipment in joint ventures for DuPont in Japan, Germany, and The Netherlands. He retired after 30 years with the company in 1995. Dad and Mom quickly transitioned into the retired life by purchasing a dual axle trailer as they began travelling the back roads of the United States. In support of Texas A&M football, Mom's passion for genealogy, visiting relatives in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, or to see the great western plains they visited 48 of the states in the Union. Dad was an Eagle Scout, and continued his love of Scouting by serving as Assistant Scout Master at Troop 67 sponsored by St. Catherine's. He spent many a long weekend at Camp Bill Stark, Camp Urland and Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Ever the devout Catholic, he served the church as a member of St. Catherine Parish Council and the Beaumont Diocesan Council. He was a member of the Evening Sertoma Club and Knights of Columbus. He loved celebrating Mardi Gras as a member of the Mardi Gras Krewes of Aurora and Bon Temps. He was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Dad had a passion for politics, history, reading, and for life. He had a ready smile and cheerful attitude even in the worst of times. Nothing gave him more pleasure than to have his growing family around him. He never stopped leading by example as he enjoyed what he considered to be the perfect life. He'd frequently tell us, "Every day's a holiday and every meal's a banquet." Memorial contributions may be made to St. Catherine Catholic School, 3840 Woodrow Dr., Port Arthur, TX 77642 in the name of Robert C. Brownlee.

Condolences

Levingston Funeral Home November 2, 2021
1 file added to the album Obituary Wall
Robert "Bob" C. Brownlee August 4, 2020
Robert Collins Brownlee
Anonymous April 2, 2017
Betty &Family, So very sorry for your loss,Bob was a faithful friend and fellow classmate. Planning reunions and Luncheons at the pompano will never be the same. we love you T.J. "Class of "53"
Anonymous March 23, 2017
So very sorry to hear of the lost of Bob....prayers for the family and wishing we could attend, but will be at another funeral in Louisiana for a cousin of Henry's. Please know we will continue prayers for your entire family!
Anonymous March 23, 2017
Our heartfelt Condolences to your family Donna on the loss of your dad. We know he will be missed dearly as we know how much he was loved. Your family continues to be in our thoughts and prayers during these difficult days. Your dad will be lifted in prayer on Sunday during the masses at St. Anthony's parish. May he rest in eternal peace. -The Landa Family
Anonymous March 22, 2017
Sending my love and lifting up my prayers for your family. I know he will be greatly missed.
Anonymous March 22, 2017
We go back 60 years to the old Park Place neighbor hood in PA. We were always pleased to see Bob and Betty around and about town at many social events. I will give Bob a hardy Sempre Fi to a fellow Marlne who was a worrier and a keeper of the faith and honor of our nation. God speed Bob ,having the prayers from a friend for you and the family.
Anonymous March 22, 2017
To all the Brownlees, We are so sorry for your great loss. Mr. Brownlee was one in a million, and he will be dearly missed. I have enjoyed knowing him since my Aggie days with Donna, and he had such a great impact on my life. He was one the "greats"!
Anonymous March 21, 2017
BETTY, MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. BOB WAS A GOOD FRIEND AND CO-WORKER. HE DID A GREAT JOB AT WORK AND ALWAYS WAS A POSITIVE, FUN PERSON TO BE AROUND! I AM GLAD FOR OUR RECENT VISIT AT THE POMPANO CLUB. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE TWO OF YOU!
Anonymous March 21, 2017
Aunt Betty & Family, I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Uncle Bobby, may our prayers guide his soul to our Heavenly Father. Sincere condolences!
Anonymous March 21, 2017
You will never find a better man nor a better father than our dad. He was attended and surrounded by family until his last breath. May he Rest In Peace.
Anonymous March 20, 2017
My deepest sympathy to the Brownlee family. I knew Bobby for many years growing up and as an adult. There was not a finer or more Christian person than he. I send my prayers for each of you.
Anonymous March 20, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Emily Allen