Frank Brown Jr.

April 3, 1942 - June 3, 2023

Frank was a 1964 graduate from Southern University Agricultural and Mechanical College in Baton Rouge, LA and received his PhD in Chemistry in 1969 from Purdue University. He was a chemist for Eli Lilly from 1968 until 2000. He then became Director of Purdue Pharmaceutical Sciences Program for 5 years. Frank was Adjunct Professor of Chemistry at Purdue University for several years.

Surviving are his children Sonya K. (Eric) Burton of MD, Betty (Glenn) Miller of LA, Frank Anthony Brown, Adam Brown, David Brown, Amanda Brown, Wynton Brown of all IN and several grandchildren and great grandchildren. No service is planned at this time.

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

Shaqurah G Zachery

Hilkka Kenttamaa

Anish Yadav

Light a candle

Frank Brown Jr., 81, of West Lafayette, passed away on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Franciscan Health Lafayette East. He was born April 3, 1942, in Detroit, MI to the late Frank and Mandy (Miller) Brown. Frank was a 1964 graduate from Southern University Agricultural and Mechanical College in Baton Rouge, LA and received hisContinue Reading

See Condolences

In remembrance of a truly remarkable and gifted man. Dr. Brown was always someone I was proud to know, not only because he was a trailblazer and a brilliant scientist; but also because he was so passionate about and dedicated to mentoring young people to pursue their dreams and aspirations. While we will all miss Dr. Brown, we are grateful for him all of his contributions to the world. Rest In Power Dr. Frank…job well done sir. ??

May his soul rest in peace. With deepest sympathy my condolences to his family

Frank will be greatly missed. He was a fantastic role model for so many chemists.

I had a long history with Dr Frank Brown having meet him when I was a summer intern at Lilly. After I joined Lilly permanently, we both worked at McCarty Street. Frank transferred to Clinton Laboratories several years after I did and we renewed our friendship there. He was helpful in my development and offered words of encouragement and comfort many times. Frank will be missed for his wise and sage counsel. My condolences to his family and loved ones.

Frank and I worked together many years at Eli Lilly. While at Clinton labs we worked together on Ceclor. Frank could be critical, demanding and difficult, but he looked out for others’ interests in the long run. He pushed us to be our best. Frank had a gentler, humorous side to him not everyone saw. He shared his personal experiences during the 50’s and 60’s and the impact of racism on his life. He was able to overcome significant challenges to earn a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at Purdue, and to have a very successful career at Eli Lilly and Company. My wife Deb and I want to express our condolences to the family.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

In memory of Frank Brown Jr., Anish Yadav lit a candle

My condolences to his family and all those that miss him. Frank was a smart man who shared his wisdom, life experiences, and inspired many. Rest in Peace Frank.

My sincere condolences to Frank's family. I met Frank in 1971 when we first moved to W. Lafayette. He and Ethel were neighbors and we soon became friends. Our boys played together as kids and are all grown up now. Frank was a good friend to me and always helped me out when I needed help finding a place to live after moving out of town for awhile. He offered me a room at his house to stay as long as I needed to until I found the right place to move. He was so kind and generous and I'm so glad I had him in my life as a friend.

Condolences to the Brown Family. Frank was not only a special customer for DeFouw Automotive, but a great friend to many employees. Deepest Sympathies!! Dennis Gernhardt Chairman, DeFouw Automotive

Condolences to the Brown family and all who loved Dr. Brown. He was a fine and admirable individual. I knew him as a member of the Purdue Chemistry Department while he was there. A wonderful example for all, an example of determination and hard work and honesty.

I knew Frank from work…..sending my sincere condolences to your family. He often spoke of his children and grandchildren.

Dr, John Brown, Your calm presence created pathways across invisible divides. Thank you for being willing to trust over and over and over again. You were always learning and encouraging others to learn. My life was enriched by our conversations. Thank you, Barbara Kerkhoff

You will be remembered as a brilliant man, who triumphed over the poverty & prejudices of the 1960’s. I will always remember our interactions at Purdue and our work together at Eli Lilly. It should be noted that you had a positive impact wherever you worked as a scientist. More importantly you made a difference in the lives of your colleagues in all of these venues.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.