Pat Brown

(From Konantz Warden Funeral Home)

Patricia Ann Brown, 74, of Asbury, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 29, 2024. Pat was born on December 14, 1950, in Frederick, Maryland, to Daniel and Mary (Crutchley) Poole. She grew up in Jefferson, Maryland, and graduated from Middletown High School in 1968. Pat attended Virginia Tech, where she earned a Bachelor of Animal Science in June 1972. 

While at Virginia Tech, Pat competed on the Meats and Livestock Judging teams and through these competitions she met the love of her life, Quay Brown, who competed for rival team Penn State. Growing up just 40 miles apart, the two first met at a contest in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1971 and were married in March 1973.

After college, Pat began her career working in a cancer research lab. In 1978, the family relocated to Mansfield, Missouri, where Pat and Quay raised their family. While substituting in local schools, Pat discovered her passion for education. She earned her teaching credentials from Missouri State University and began teaching at Wilder Elementary School, focusing on science and math for 3rd and 5th grades—subjects she greatly enjoyed.

Later, Pat and Quay moved to Asbury, Missouri, where she continued her teaching career at Columbian and Steadley Elementaries in Carthage, teaching for eight more years. She also taught a few courses at Labette Community College and Missouri Southern, sharing her knowledge and inspiring young minds.

Pat had a zest for life and adventure. She and Quay enjoyed traveling and explored all 50 states, including an unforgettable RV trip to Alaska. They purchased their first RV to tailgate at college football games, combining her love for college sports with her adventurous spirit. Over the years, Pat and Quay developed a close-knit community of friends through the Mark Twain Good Sam RV Club, spending cherished winters in South Texas and building lasting memories.

Pat found immense joy in supporting her grandchildren’s activities, from 4-H livestock shows to their many sporting events. She was their biggest cheerleader and found fulfillment in being an active part of their lives. She greatly enjoyed including the grand kids in her and Quay’s travels when they could, showing them new places, things and experiences.

Pat was very strong in her Christian faith. Pat and Quay helped found Trinity Lutheran Church in Ava, MO, where she was a charter member, taught Sunday school and VBS classes, and volunteered for many other roles and activities. She later attended St John’s Lutheran church in Pittsburg, KS and Iantha Community Church outside Lamar, MO.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 51 years, Quay, her sister Susan (Mike) Kelley of Jefferson, MD, and her children, Matthew (Heather) Brown of Lamar, MO, Mark (Darla) Brown of Jackson, TN, Sarah (Preston) Starks of Carl Junction, MO. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Connor Brown, Mason Brown, Addison Brown, Blake Starks, Brady Starks, Bristol Starks, Blair Starks, Sophia Brown, and Roman Brown. Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Mary Poole.

Pat will be remembered for her adventurous spirit, dedication to education, and love for her family. Her kindness, warmth, and zest for life will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A visitation will be held on Sunday January 5, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Konantz Warden Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held Monday January 6, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Iantha Community Church.