Thomas W. Brown, 59, of 189 Toby Lane, New Castle, passed away at his residence the morning of February 18, 2011.Born in New Castle on November 14, 1951 he was a son of Thomas R. and Edna Mae Pontius Brown. He married Patricia "Pat" Shidemantle Brown on April 5, 1974. She survives in New Castle.Tom was a graduate of Laurel High School in 1970. He was a self employed agricultural fencing contractor for over twenty five years. Tom loved working with his hands and built many structures for his family, but he was most proud of the barn that he transformed into his home.He operated his own beef cattle farm in Scott Township and was a member of various beef organizations.Tom was an avid sports fan, participating in many sports throughout his adult life including softball, basketball and hockey.The last fifteen years he was a dedicated horseshoe pitcher, participating in tournaments throughout Pennsylvania and Ohio. He belonged to the Butler County and New Castle Horsehoe Leagues as well as the New Brighton Indoor Horseshoe League. He was inducted into the Butler County Hall of Fame.He was a member of Plain Grove Presbyterian Church and later affiliated with Portersville Presbyterian Church.Tom was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle as well as a special friend to many.In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons, Chad Brown of New Castle, and Chet Brown and his fiance Ashlyn Moyer of New Castle; one daughter, Cheryl Brown of Atlanta, GA; one granddaughter, Hallee Brown; one brother, Gerald Brown of Slippery Rock; three sisters, Linda and Deane Smith of New Castle, Peggy and Greg McKean of Mercer, and Bonnie and Dwayne Gibson of Slippery Rock; thirteen nieces and nephews; his favorite aunt, Jane Book of New Castle; and great aunt, Betty Kerr of New Wilmington.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Carol Louise Brown; maternal grandparents, George and Kathryne Pontius and paternal grandparents, Frank C. and Sarah Brown.A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20. 2011, at Portersville Presbyterian Church, Route 19, Portersville. The Rev. Dana Opp will officiate. A celebration of life reception will be held immediately following the service at Betsy's Barn, Cheeseman Road, Portersville.Arrangements are by the R. Cunningham Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road.