TREVORTON – Christopher G. Brownawell, 49 – an American soldier, leader, mentor to many and a friend to all – died unexpectedly Sunday, March 14, 2021, at his home in Trevorton, surrounded by his loving wife and devoted daughter.
He was born June 2, 1971, in York, to the late Robert Brownawell, and Linda Brownawell-Hess, who survives.
Educated at Northeastern High School, Class of 1989, he went into the U.S. Army at the age of 17. He was wise beyond his years and always had his fellow soldiers’ backs. After serving eight years in the Army, he transitioned into the Pennsylvania National Guard. He was airborne and sniper qualified. He was deployed to Kosovo, Irag, Afghanistan and Kuwait.
He taught ROTC at King’s College. His awards include Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Iraq Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (third award), Army Achievement Medal (fifth award), Meritorious Unit Commendation, USN Unit Commendation, Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global Ware on Terrorism Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medial, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (third award), Army Service Ribbon and Overseas Service Ribbon (fourth award). He retired as a sergeant major with 24 years of service.
Christopher was also employed for more than 23 years in the state correctional system. Through the years, he was president of SCI-Coal Township’s union and institutional CERT leader. Most recently, he served as captain of the Bureau of Facility Security and Special Operations and was a paramount contributor to creating and running the state’s legal mail system, earning him the 2019 Pennsylvania Excellence in Technology Award.
Christopher was a long time Philadelphia Eagles fan, fly fishing guru and an avid archery hunter. He touched the lives of many and left us all way too soon.
He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his wildly entertaining stories and his perfected “knife hand.” I may be a bit biased, but my husband was the most amazing, loving and giving man. He is also my hero. He made this world a better place.
His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his adoring wife, Michelle Brownawell, and his daughter, Abby Brownawell; his mother, Linda Brownawell-Hess, and stepfather, Robert Hess, of York; his brothers, Robert Brownawell II and his wife, Emily, of Bainbridge, Jamie Hess, of Mount Wolf, and Todd Hess and his wife, Alex, of Mount Wolf; and his nephews and niece, Ian, Todd, Chevy and Eva.
BROWNAWELL – Christopher G. Brownawell, 49, of Trevorton. A funeral service will be held at noon Friday at the Rothermel-Heizenroth Funeral Home, Elysburg. Viewing will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday and from 10 a.m. until the time of service Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks for donations to Freedom Fighter Outdoors at www.freedomfighteroutdoors.org, or to FFO, 2436 N. Federal Highway 312, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064. Rothermel-Heizenroth Funeral Home, Joseph Murray, supervisor, Charles Heizenroth III, funeral director, is in charge of arrangements. Go to www.rothermelfh.com.
Published in The News Item on Mar. 17, 2021.
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