Troy Dean Brown, 58, of Hutchinson, passed peacefully in his sleep on June 29, 2025, surrounded by family, at Ascension Via Christi - St. Francis in Wichita, after a brief illness. He was born November 4, 1966, in Hutchinson, to M. Duane and Judy (Leatherbury) Brown.
Troy attended Nickerson schools, graduating from Nickerson High School in 1985. Shortly after graduation, he joined the United States Navy, participating in the Gulf War’s Desert Shield and Desert Storm. While Troy never saw active combat, he felt fortunate to explore port cities across America, southern Europe, the Mediterranean, Middle East, and southwest Asia. After being honorably discharged, Troy worked various jobs. He liked to keep his options open while gaining new experiences; from long-haul truck driving to grain elevator inspection to machinist, forklift driver, baker for Dutch Kitchen, and various positions for Dillons. In 2019 Troy finally grew roots in Hutchinson, buying his first home and was currently working as the shoe department manager for Atwoods.
Troy never married and had no children, but he loved his nieces and nephews unconditionally. Troy loved spending time with his family and never missed a holiday or birthday, or spoiling everyone at Christmas. A big kid at heart, Troy was always ready to watch a Disney movie, play Monopoly, go for ice cream, or teach the kids how to win Mario Kart. He enjoyed spending his days with close friends, his evenings playing video games online with his nephew, and taking his dad and sister to lunch every Sunday. Troy was also an avid lover of music and never missed an opportunity to share the classics or listen to new stuff recommended by his niece and nephew. His most recent plan was to attend an Alice Cooper and Judas Priest show with his niece.
Troy is survived by: his father, Duane; sister, Rhonda Stewart; niece Jennifer Wise (Stephen Zook); nephew, Austin Stewart (Kiersten); great-nephews, Marshal, Carter, Ren; great-niece, Sequoia; aunt, Debbie Soper (Ed); and numerous life-long friends that are as close as family.
He was preceded in death by: his most beloved mother, Judy; grandparents, Ted and Dolly Brown, David and Mildred Leatherbury; uncles, Bob Brown, Davey Leatherbury Jr; aunts, Miriam Bailey, Shirley Green, Glennda Leatherbury, Shelley Leatherbury; and his “only son” Tom the tomcat.
Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Friday, July 11, 2025, at Elliot Mortuary Chapel, with Pastor Gary Getting officiating, with military honors presented by the United States Navy Honor Guard. Burial will follow at 1 p.m. at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery in Winfield.
Family will be present to receive friends at 9 a.m. the day of the service in Elliot Mortuary Chapel. Friends may sign Troy's memorial book between 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. July 7 - July 11, at Elliott Mortuary, or anytime online.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Troy Brown Memorial Fund (please make checks payable to Elliott Mortuary), in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.