GRINNELL, Iowa (June 18, 2025) – Brownells sadly broadcasts the loss of life of long-time household patriarch Frank Brownell, who successively held the positions of President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board at Brownells.
Frank handed away in Grinnell, Iowa on June 18, 2025, after a prolonged sickness. He was six days shy of his 86th birthday.
For practically six a long time, Frank’s ardour, imaginative and prescient, and generosity formed not solely Brownells, however the complete firearms neighborhood. Associates and clients alike keep in mind him greeting “lengthy strains of pals” at SHOT Present and the NRA Annual Conferences, championing gunsmithing, and driving business innovation.
“Frank was the type of one who made you higher simply by being round him.” Pete Brownell, CEO of Brownells and Frank’s son.
A Lifetime of Service and Contribution
Born June 24, 1939, in Montezuma, Iowa, the second youngster and solely son of Brownells founder Bob and his spouse Lois, Frank grew up in Iowa and have become concerned in each the household enterprise and the American gun business at an early age. Frank graduated magna-cum-laude with a level in Promoting from the College of Iowa in 1961 earlier than serving aboard the USS Caliente (AO-53) as a U.S. Navy reservist.
In 1965, he joined Brownells full-time, laying out Massive Guide Catalog #18, and shortly helped publish the primary Gunsmith Kinks ebook in 1969 below the identify F. Brownell and Son.
Frank turned President in 1983, CEO in 2007, and Chairman of the Board in 2012, guiding Brownells for greater than 40 years.
From advertising the now-iconic Latigo Sling on the 1964 NRA conference to elevating gunsmithing as a revered career, his affect could be seen in numerous retailers, ranges, and workbenches throughout America.
A Legacy of Character
Past titles and accolades, Frank was cherished for his kindness, integrity, and infectious enthusiasm. Frank Brownell was a Navy veteran, a enterprise chief, and a stalwart supporter of our distinctive American rights assured by the 2nd Modification.
An business innovator, he helped set up Brownells as a nationwide legacy retailer within the gunsmithing, gun components, and firearms house. He helped advance the perfect mannequin for working with and growing endemic business media. He advocated for elevating gunsmithing to a revered career and created new methods to assist and develop the expansion of gunsmithing, gun possession, and gun tradition.
A Life Remembered
Frank is survived by his three sons, Bob, Pete, and Matt Brownell, and their households. Service particulars will probably be shared as soon as preparations are finalized.
Associates, colleagues, and clients are inspired to honor Frank by sharing reminiscences, supporting aspiring gunsmiths, or just spending time on the bench, simply as he cherished to do.
About BrownellsSerious About Firearms Since 1939™, Brownells is the world’s main supply for weapons, gun components and equipment, ammunition, gunsmithing instruments and survival gear. With a big collection of each frequent and hard-to-find gadgets, and an in depth assortment of movies, articles, and gun schematics, Brownells is the knowledgeable for the whole lot shooting-related. Dedicated to sustaining our nice traditions, Brownells has extra, does extra and is aware of extra – and ensures all of it, Eternally. For extra data or to position an order, name 800-741-0015 or go to Brownells.com. Keep up-to-date with Brownells on YouTube, Fb, Instagram, and X.
