Brett Alan Autry

One morning in the early 1950s, my grandmother -- Martha Autry -- was cooking an early weekend lunch of barbecue chicken and home fries for her family. It was in the summer, so naturally the kids were outside playing alongside the creek. As she began to set the table, she called out for the children to come inside to eat. Naturally, Alana came in first, Tracy second, and Brett...well, Brett was missing.

“Where’s your brother?” asked Martha. The children just shrugged. Knowing that her best bet to find Brett was on her own, Martha walked outside to the back patio and called to him again. After a few more tries, Martha walked to the side yard – the one that faces 9th street – and found my father alongside the curb, saluting a funeral as it passed by…in his underwear.

She couldn’t help but laugh.

Brett Alan Autry was born in Coleman to Roy Allen Autry, Jr. and Martha Jean Harwell on January 18, 1954. He had one older sister, Alana Autry Brudney, and a younger sister, Tracy Cecilia Autry. He attended Coleman public schools and graduated in 1972 from Coleman High.

Brett married Molly Sue Love in 1974. They had three children: Joshua Alan Autry who passed away as an infant, Leah Alaine Autry, and Evan Alan Autry.

Brett worked at the Coleman Chronicle and Democrat-Voice for over 50 years. Although he started in commercial printing and production, Brett followed in his father and grandfather’s footsteps to serve as co-publisher in 1984 and publisher in 2011.

Brett was an avid golfer, enjoyed traveling to Mexico, loved his Texas Longhorns and Coleman Bluecats, and never passed up the chance to sing karaoke. He was also a very proud grandfather.

Survivors include sister Alana and husband Stan Brudney of Coleman, sister Tracy Autry of Abilene, daughter Leah and husband George Biddle of Grapevine, son Evan Autry of Austin, granddaughter Alaine Love Biddle of Grapevine, nephew Brice Brudney of Coleman, nephew Beau and wife Jennifer Brudney of Coleman and numerous family and friends. One son, Joshua Alan Autry, and his parents Roy and Martha Autry precede him in death.

A farewell party will be held at the Coleman Country Club ballroom on Thursday, March 12 at 5:00 p.m. to salute Brett’s life. All family and friends are welcomed to attend. Casual dress is encouraged. Pants required.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Brett’s honor to the Coleman Public Library.