On Sunday, August 21, 2022, Dr. Charles A. Browning, Jr., loving husband of Betty Mae White Browning and father of four children, passed away at the age of 94.
Charles was born in Falmouth, KY, to Charles and Florence Browning. He graduated from Falmouth High School and then from the University of Kentucky, where he met his wife, Betty. He then attended the University of Cincinnati Medical School, receiving his medical degree in 1953. Following medical school, he completed a family practice residency in Milwaukee, WI, and then transitioned to Bellefontaine, OH, where he served as a well-respected practitioner of general medicine for 16 years. In 1970 he and his family moved to Dallas, TX, where he completed a residency in anesthesiology at Parkland Memorial Hospital.
Following the residency he relocated to Richmond, IN, where he practiced anesthesiology until his retirement. Charles had an adventurous, hardy spirit. His varied experiences included spending a summer in the forest service at Yosemite National Park, being a veteran of the Army, circumnavigating Lake Huron on a bicycle, and traveling extensively to several countries. He loved music of all kinds, from classical to modern to whaling ballads – especially any music with some spirit to it.
Perhaps his greatest enjoyment came from reading. Some of his favorite books included The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Science and Common Sense, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, and The Travels of Marco Polo. Most importantly Charles was a family man, always making his wife and children feel loved and of value.
He is survived by daughter Karen Henry, son Greg (Jeanne) Browning, daughter Joan (Perry) Passen, and son Bob (Emily) Browning; grandchildren Brian (Regan), Gail, Nick (Nikki), Kate (Jess), Eric, Casey (Clay), Brett, Jessica (Chris), Andrew (Deanna), Elliott, Charlie (Allie), Bobby, Teddy, and Melissa; and great-grandchildren Olin, Sarah, Anne, Simon, Everleigh, Emma, Kora, Adelynn, Harper, Quincy, and Shea. Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, and son-in-law David Henry. Services were private. Memorial donations may be made to the Hayes Arboretum, 801 Elks Road, Richmond, Indiana, 47374, or First Christian Church, 100 S. 10th Street, PO Box 216, Richmond, Indiana, 47375.