Brown
Claude Duffey Brown, affectionately known as “Daddy, Duffey, and “Granduffey” to his loved ones, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026, in Fort Worth, after a long and well-lived life of 92 years.
“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and living favour rather than silver and gold.” Proverbs 22:1.
Claude, the name he was known by for most of his life, was born on July 7, 1933, in Decatur, to Agnes Havana Duffey Brown and Jennings Crisp Brown. As his parents’ second son, by custom he was named for his maternal grandfather, Claude Walter Duffey. Growing up, Claude’s father, a graduate of Baylor University, attorney, and Wise County Judge, shared wisdom, ethics, and lifelong lessons with his sons, which Claude amply absorbed. His father died when Claude was 17 years old. His mother was the long-time District Clerk in Wise County; Agnes passed away in 1996.
As a young man, Claude won numerous championship ribbons and awards for his prize hogs at the Wise County Fairs, including first prize and a gold-plated cup. He attended public schools in Decatur, and was an active member of 4-H and the Future Farmers of America (FFA), receiving the coveted Texas “Lone Star Farmer” award in 1949. He graduated with honors from Decatur High School in 1950.
From there, Claude graduated first in his class from Decatur Baptist Junior College in 1952. He then attended Baylor University, where he was a member of the ROTC and was awarded the Distinguished Military Student Award. However, to his great regret, asthma prevented him from military service. He bounced back by deciding to enter the law. Claude graduated with a B.A. and LL.B., cum laude, from Baylor Law School in 1956. He passed the Texas bar examination with the third-highest score, and started practicing law in Decatur.
Upon the recommendation of his friend and mentor, the Dean of the Baylor Law School, in 1956 Claude successfully applied to and became a special agent in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Christened as “Tex” by his classmates on his first day in the FBI, Claude was involved in several dangerous undercover criminal stakeouts with his team in Newark, NJ. Claude also took pride in being selected to the FBI Pistol and Rifle Team, proving to be an expert award-winning marksman. More accustomed to a warmer climate and wanting to meet and marry a Texas gal, he learned he was to be transferred to New York City and resigned from the FBI in 1959, opting for a small law firm in Fort Worth, where he remained until the end of his life 67 years later.
In 1961, Claude became an assistant U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Texas as chief of the land division, living in Fort Worth. He later served as senior litigation counsel, deputy civil chief, head of the financial litigation and drug asset forfeiture units, and headed up all land matters affecting the Northern District. Claude was also a lecturer and presented his legal articles at seminars around the country throughout the years on the subject of eminent domain. After a distinguished 36-year career, he retired from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 1997.
Claude wed Dianne Barrett on Nov. 26, 1963. They were very happily married and had two daughters, Karen Elizabeth and Kathryn Anne, both of whom are also Baylor graduates. Dianne passed away on July 27, 1989. In 1998, Claude, who by this time preferred the name “Duffey,” married Claire T. Monteleone.
Duffey was predeceased by his parents, Agnes and Jennings C. Brown; his older brother, Thomas J. Brown; and his daughter-in-law, Karen D. Monteleone.
Duffey is survived by his beloved wife, Claire Thompson Brown; his daughters, Karen E. Wolf and husband, Dr. Robert Wolf; and Katie A. Wilson and husband, Dr. Matthew Wilson; and Claire’s sons, Brenton Monteleone, William Monteleone and wife, Theresa; and Joseph Monteleone, II and wife, Anne. He is also survived by his 14 grandchildren, Hunter Wolf and wife, Lana; Grayson Wolf and wife, Allysa; Chase Wolf, Harrison Wolf and wife, Emma; Sophia Wilson, Orrin Wilson, Aidan Wilson and fiancée, Ann; Neva Kate Wilson, Alexander Jordan, Travis Monteleone and wife, Rachel; Lauren M. Nelson and husband, Nicholas; Catherine Monteleone, Jenna Monteleone, and Megan Monteleone; and by his five great-grandchildren: Paxton Wolf, Zera Wolf, Eden Wolf, Henry Monteleone and Merritt Monteleone. Duffey is also survived by his niece, Shelby B. Ivy and husband, Rick; nephew, Thomas “Tony” Brown; sister-in-law, Karen McGee; nieces, Robin Castellon-Patty, Kamla Patty, and Krisla Cadenhead; and nephew, Craig Patty.
Duffey had a unique sense of humor and many interests. A snappy dresser who was never caught in less than a 3-piece ensemble, he enjoyed his Texas and Scottish roots, deer hunting and firearms, bagpiping and kilts, black cowboy and deerstalker hats, quoting Shakespeare in legal briefs, classical music and the Fort Worth Symphony, the Baptist Church, and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was also a proud 70-year member of the Masonic Order (Scottish Rite) in both the Decatur and Fort Worth lodges. Claude Duffey Brown was also a man of unquestioned integrity, and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Family and friends will gather from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, June 4, in the Great Room at Harper & Lucas, formerly Robertson Mueller Harper. A funeral service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday, June 5, in the Independence Chapel, located in Greenwood Memorial Park, with Masonic Rites to follow in the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, the Scholarship Fund at Decatur Masonic Lodge No. 447, A.F. & A.M., or to the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI, in his memory, is suggested.