Wendell Leon “Scooter” Brown Jr.

Wendell Leon (“Scooter”) Brown, Jr., went to be with the Lord on June 19, 2023, with family by his side.  Scooter was born in Plainview, Texas on June 11, 1951, to Wendell Leon Brown, Sr. and Beth McAdams Brown.  Scooter was preceded in death by his mother Beth Brown.  Scooter is survived by his father Wendell Brown, Sr.; wife Ricka Ann Adams Brown; sons Adam Brown, Austin Brown and wife Megan, Alexander Brown and wife Brooke and Andrew Brown; grandchildren Ansley, Trinity, Colton, Stetson, Sterling and Summit, all of Midland, Texas; brother Mike Brown of Stephenville, Texas and sister Teri Beth Smith of League City, Texas.

Growing up in Plainview, Scooter developed a love for the outdoors, eventually becoming an Eagle Scout.  He graduated from Plainview High School in 1969, then graduated with honors from Texas Tech University in 1973 with a Bachelors of Business Administration.

After college, Scooter began working for Miller’s Flying Service in Plainview, performing a variety of functions including buying and selling aircraft, providing medical transport, charter flights, flight instruction, crop dusting, and hail suppression. It was during this period that he met the love of his life, Ricka.  Scooter and Ricka were married on August 8, 1981 in Lubbock, TX.

Following the invitation of friend Mike Lea, Scooter moved to Midland, TX to begin buying and selling aircraft at Basin Aviation.  After selling a Piper Seneca aircraft to eventual longtime business associate and friend, Jack Hightower, Scooter was introduced by Jack into the oil business and later into the Commercial Real Estate and Development industry.  This was a God-send as he fell in love with the business, often telling family that he would never retire.

Outside of business, Scooter’s major hobbies and passions included flying, sailing, hiking, snow and water skiing, boating and spending time with his sons and grandchildren.  Some of his best and happiest times took place when he was flying the family to a variety of destinations for vacation.  Scooter loved taking the family to Lake Texoma every summer for the Brown/McAdams family reunion. He and the family also took many trips to the family cabin in Cloudcroft, NM where he was able to relax and pass on numerous life skills to his sons.

Scooter was a selfless father-figure to many; always willing to offer help and mentorship for others. He donated much of his time to various organizations and causes, including Midland Development Corporation, Midland Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Midland Management District (Former Chairman), City Council Downtown Advisory Committee, Midland Airport Economic Advisory Board, Downtown Midland, Inc. (Former Chairman).  He also won the prestigious Cornerstone Award for his work on the revitalization of downtown Midland.  Scooter was also a Partner of ERP’s property management company.  In addition, he faithfully served as the head Usher at First Methodist Church for many years.

Donations may be made in memory of Wendell (“Scooter”) Brown to First Methodist Church of Midland, Texas or to Midland Children’s Rehabilitation Center.

Visitation will be held at First Methodist Church of Midland, Texas on Thursday, June 22, from 5:30-7 pm.  Funeral service will be held at First Methodist Church of Midland, Texas on Friday, June 23, at 2 pm. Livestream for the funeral service will be available via the First Methodist Church of Midland TX Facebook page. Graveside burial will be held at the Plainview, Texas Cemetery on Saturday, June 24 at 11 am.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory in Midland.  Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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