Lawrence Joseph Brown better known as 'LB', died in Hays, Kansas on March 19th, 2025 at the age of 69. LB was born on December 27, 1955 in Hays Kansas to Lawrence Firmin and JoAnn (Lang) Brown.
LB attended St. Joseph’s military academy as the last freshman class, then attending TMP until his graduation in 1973. He attended FHSU for 3 years majoring in broadcasting, but did not complete his degree due to the arrival of his 4 children Kristy, Bridget, Rachel and Larry Jr.
He is best known as a smart, witty, extraordinarily funny and music loving man. He spent decades as a well versed and trusted mechanic. The muffler master as some called him. He became co-owner of Browns Service Center in 1981 until its closure in 1993. He worked in many auto shops around Hays before his retirement in 2022 where he spent the remainder of his life with his cats, Gracie and Buddy, in a farmhouse on a sleepy Kansas dirt road discovering, learning and reminiscing about all things’ music.
One of LB’s greatest loves was music. A true music fan. Mostly classic rock, although he appreciated and respected many genres. The louder the music the better. He had a great set of ears as a sound man for Celebration, The Jimmy Dee Band, High Risk, Code Blue, Blue Healers and various bands throughout his young life that brought him great joy. We hope our father is behind a sound booth somewhere or at the bowling lane with the other “Swill Hogs”.
LB was a friend to all and stranger to none.
Survivors include his four children, Kristy Brown, Bridget Hargraves (Keith), Rachel Tyler (Travis) and Larry Brown Jr (Ashley); a brother, Pat Brown; as well as his grandchildren, Eli, Josephine, Noah and Shelby with Lawrence Taylor Brown due to arrive in June.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Firmin and JoAnn Brown; and a son-in-law, Erik Ward.
Memorial services will be 11:00 AM Friday, March 28, 2025, with visitation from 10:00 AM to service time at Keithley Funeral Homes-Brock’s Chapel 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.
Immediately following services lunch and celebration gathering in memory of LB will be at the Hays VFW.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the organization of your choice in LB’s memory. Please share memories with the family on LB’s tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com