Gordon M. Browning

Gordon M Browning, the last living member of the founding board directors of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) passed away today at the age of eighty nine years. Honored as a Living Legend by the NHRA in 2011 Gordon Browning was a long time contributor to the growth of the sport of automobile racing.

After returning home from WWII, where he served as an Army Air corps Pilot, Browning joined the Los Angeles Police Department. During his 27 year tenure he formed the Police Advisory Council of Car Clubs dedicated to safety in racing. He was responsible for founding numerous car clubs throughout Southern California. Concerned with the high accident rate incurred by street racing, he was responsible for Lyons Raceway in Long Beach working with the -----Lyons clubs in the Long Beach Region and the City of Long Beach to donate the land and provide insurance for the facility. He also helped found, and drove the first car through, Irwindale Raceway and Riverside Raceway. He is a lifetime member of Cal Rods, San Gabriel Valley Car Club. He was responsible for the installation of Seat Belts throughout the LAPD.

After retirement from the LAPD, Browning was employed by the California State Senate as Senator H.L. Richardson's Administrative Assistant. He served the people of the 25th Senate District until 1990.

A native Californian, Gordon Browning, and his beloved wife of 68 years Betty, moved to Covina in 1950.

Gordon was a charter member of Christ Lutheran Church in West Covina. He also served for 8 years as member the Board of Directors of the Covina Valley Unified School District. A 32nd degree Mason he was active in Masonic activities serving as Worthy Patron of The La Paloma Chapter of Eastern Star and California State Treasure of Masons. As a member of the Shiner's he was involved raising funds for Children's Hospital. A long time Rotarian, Gordon sent monthly care packages to a deployed unit of our armed forces overseas on behalf of the Covina Rotary. He was a strong supporter of the USO at Ontario Airport, where, he enjoyed meeting servicemen from all over America.

Gordon Browning is survived by Linda Foley, Gayle and Randall Ness and their families.

Celebration of Life will be held at Forest Lawn in Covina, CA on Monday April 21st from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Funeral Service will be held Tuesday April 22nd at Christ Lutheran Church, 311 South Citrus, West Covina, CA at 12:00 noon. Interment and luncheon reception to follow.