Lt. Col. Larry Brown

[ironputts]

February 26, 2026

Lt. Col. Larry Brown
Maine Wing
ME-035

Larry Brown of Columbia, TN, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, February 14, 2026. He now gets to soar the skies with the angels. Larry was born on August 3, 1954, in Woodbury, NJ, the son of Andrew E. Brown Sr. and Loretta May (Sandelier) Skermont. His stepfather, Joseph Skermont Sr., had a large influence on his life.

Larry is survived by his devoted wife, Kay Esther (Zobel) Brown; his loving children, Rebecca Kay Esther Bulkley and spouse, Chad, of Lewisburg, TN, and Joseph Victor Brown of Columbia, TN; his cherished grandchildren, Connor Bulkley, Alanna Bulkley, and Hunter Bulkley; his treasured brothers, Andrew E. Brown Jr. of Malaga, NJ, Edward Brown and partner, Rene Mastoddi, of Norwood, PA, and Mike Shipman and partner, Laurie Raines, of Corinth, MS; dear sister, Dorita Brown of Williamstown, NJ; and several beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his loving parents; stepmother, Emmi Brown; caring stepfather; his treasured brother, Peter Brown; and beloved stepgrandchild, Aiden Bulkley.

Larry graduated from Rutgers University (ROTC) in January 1977. He was a member of the Rutgers Queens Guard, national champion drill team and performed at the 1973 Edinburgh Military Tattoo attended by the Queen of England. He served as an USAF intelligence officer for 4 years. Then he graduated pilot training in 1982 & flew the KC-135 (air refueling tanker) 1982-1999. During this time, he upgraded to instructor/evaluator pilot and served as a Command Post Operations specialist, KC-135 simulator instructor, PACAF Exercise planner and AF Liaison to the Bangor Air National Guard. He flew in 3 combat tours: 1st Persian Gulf War, Bosnia and Kosovo. In 1988, he earned his Master of Aviation Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. After retiring from the USAF, he was a pilot for American Airlines. Larry was also a Civil Air Patrol pilot and a squadron commander for Caribou Composite Squadron and Bangor Composite Squadron in Maine. He greatly enjoyed giving orientation flights to the cadets.

He deeply loved spending time/playing games with his grandchildren. He was an avid pilot in online aviation games alongside his Check Six Squad of friends. Larry was a fan of Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, Elvis Presley; and the TV shows: Big Bang Theory and Ghosts. He was a gifted storyteller. His family and friends will miss his tales of life.