Obituaries

Recent Obituaries
In Memoriam Archive

Civil Rights Activist and Inventor

Darrell W. Brownawell ’54

August 28, 2024, in Bend, Oregon.

Darrell William Brownawell was born on February 21, 1933, in Bismarck, North Dakota. He lived an eventful and meaningful life, and was married to Marilyn Brownawell ’55 for 68 years.

At Reed, Darrell wrote a thesis on potassium carbonate ammonia water, with advising by Prof. Fred Ayres [chemistry 1940–70]. Darrell and Marilyn remained connected to Reedies throughout their lives, including the legendary Prof. Thomas Dunne [chemistry 1963–95].

Darrell was active in the civil rights movement, funded the college education of several disadvantaged children, and helped build homes for Habitat for Humanity. He was also an elder at the Fanwood Presbyterian Church and delivered the readings for the Shepherd of the Hills Church.

During the Korean War, Darrell volunteered for service and was sent to Germany as a medical technician. After Darrell was discharged, he and Marilyn toured Italy and Greece by motorcycle and ferry.

Over the course of a long career at Exxon, Darrell was awarded 51 U.S. patents, which gave him the opportunity to live for several years in England. He is survived by his two sons, David and Mark.

Appeared in Reed magazine: Spring 2025

comments powered by Disqus