Philip Ray Brown

Philip Ray Brown, 64, of Ottawa, Kansas died Thursday, November 13, 2025 in his home surrounded by his family.

He was born February 12, 1961 in Topeka, Kansas the son of Francis and Jean Marie (Christy) Brown.  He graduated from Topeka High School with the class of 1979. 

On April 17, 1982, Philip was united in marriage to Tammy Gardner.  They spent 27 years together, raising three children and one dalmatian.  They later divorced. 

From 1978 until 1985, Philip worked for Midway Auto Parts in Topeka.  In 1985, Philip and his father-in-law co-owned B&G Auto Parts.  O’Reilly’s Auto Parts bought out B&G in 1991, where Philip worked as a store manager and then a sales rep for 34 years, retiring in June 2025.  He enjoyed his job, as it meant he could meet all different people from Emporia to Gardner.  He never knew a stranger.  He was also a reserve sheriff’s deputy for 13 years. 

Philip was a car enthusiast and was always working on vehicles in his shop.  He collected gas and oil memorabilia, especially signs.  He was a long-time member of the Over the Road Gang, and served a term as President.  He was also a member of the Ottawa Lions Club.  In his later years, Philip enjoyed the simple things like nature and sunsets, which he was constantly taking pictures of.  He also loved going on road trips.  Philip was an avid KU basketball and Kansas City Chiefs fan. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Francis Brown.

He is survived by a son, Todd Brown and his wife, Deborah, of Ottawa, KS; two daughters, Erika Brown of Ottawa, KS and Ashlyn Brown and her fiancé, Shawn Reed, of Shawnee, KS; three granddaughters, Koryn and Katelynn Garcia and Eleanor Brown, all of Ottawa, KS; his mother, Jean Brown of Topeka, KS; a sister, Kristie Runyan and her husband, Ron, of Topeka, KS; a niece, Melinda Bisel and her husband, Paul, of Topeka, KS; a nephew, Corey Runyan and his wife, Kylie, of Wichita, KS; and his great-nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Philip’s home, 1593 Old 50 Hwy, Ottawa, KS 66067.  Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com.

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