Douglas Edward Brown
May 23, 1943 - September 27, 2024
BILLINGS - Douglas Edward Brown, 81, of Billings, passed away on September 27, 2024. He was born in Billings on May 23, 1943 to John and Opal Brown (Pond). He and his siblings cherished their Montana heritage. He loved his family and friends dearly, and spent many happy times at his cabin in Roberts, MT with them. He enjoyed traveling to several parts of the world for business and pleasure.
Doug graduated from Central High School and Eastern Montana College in Billings. He married Sharon Schoessler in 1964, and they were blessed with three children, John, Jennifer and Jason. He adored his grandson, Ethan and always looked forward to spending quality time with him.
After graduating from college, Doug worked in accounting for Texaco, and soon after was transferred to Houston, TX. Two years later, he accepted a job with Tosco in Bakersfield, CA where he specialized in supply and trading. His uncle, Tom Brown was instrumental in helping him navigate the industry. Doug continued to excel in the industry working for Caljet, Lajet and Westport Petroleum. When the petroleum industry suffered difficulties, he persevered as a broker for Energy Brokers. After the industry recovered, he went back to his passion for supply and trading, relocating to Anchorage, AK as Vice President of the that division with Tesoro Refining. He loved living in Alaska and hosting many salmon and halibut fishing trips. The company later relocated him to San Antonio, TX. Upon retirement from Tesoro, he moved back to his childhood home in Billings. There was nowhere else he would rather be than his home town.
The "oil bidness" as Doug called it, gave him the opportunity to travel internationally. He always felt fortunate to be able to travel the world, including trips to Russia, Japan and Singapore, among others. He looked forward to learning about the cultures and tasting the local cuisine.
Doug enjoyed golfing and playing baseball. He liked to attend sporting events and cheer for his favorite teams. He and his family went to many Lakers, Dodgers and Raiders games. He loved to visit stadiums throughout the country. His kids will always remember the special trip he arranged for them to experience the energy and roars of the crowd at Yankees, Red Sox, Buffalo Bills and Notre Dame stadiums. He spent many happy hours watching sports on TV. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team was his favorite! Doug was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing weekly with his buddies. He always looked forward to annual hunting trips with family and friends in the Ruby Mountains. He and his family always had a blast during snow skiing and waterskiing trips.
Doug was a devoted family man and was very generous to them and his friends. He was there to help anyone in a time of need. He supported and cheered for his kids at their soccer, softball and baseball games. He loved to help them practice, tossing around the ball and encouraging them. He was a fan of country music, and he especially liked listening to Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers and Johnny Cash.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents, John and Opal Brown, and his brother, Mike Brown. He will very much be missed by his family and friends. He is survived by the mother of his children, Sharon Brown; their children: John Brown, Jennifer Brown and Jason (Jamie) Brown; grandson, Ethan (all from Billings); and siblings: Judy (Tom) Collins (Broadus), Tim (Lucy) Brown (Billings), Joan (Brad) Condon (Billings), Chris Hudson (Great Falls), Pat (Fred) Tellez (Roundup), and Pam (Albert Contreras) Brown (Huntley); and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The family gives their heartfelt appreciation to Novak Cottage at WyndStone and Riverstone Health Hospice for the excellent care given to Doug.
A memorial service will be at noon on Friday, October 25 at St. Patrick's Co Cathedral, 215 N. 31st St. in Billings, 59101 with interment immediately following at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 1721 Central Ave. in Billings, MT 59102. Afterward, there will a celebration of life reception.
In lieu of flowers, if so desired, the family appreciates donations to Montana Wounded Warriors (montanawoundedwarriors.org) or a charity of your choice.
