Michael Browning's Obituary
Michael Browning passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. He was 46 years old. Michael, the second child of Douglas and Patricia Browning (nee Richmond), was born on January 1, 1979 in Kansas City, Missouri. Along with his parents, Michael is survived by his loving wife, Raelynn Kemp; adored daughters: Anna Elizabeth Browning and Emma Lynn Browning; sister, Elizabeth (Nathan) Mudrick; sister-in-law, Darcey Kemp; father-in-law, Leslie Kemp; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; his uncle, Gene Browning; and his mother-in-law, Judy Kemp.
Michael and Raelynn met in 1997 at the University of Missouri - Columbia and became fast friends. Their 10 year relationship solidified into a life-long partnership on May 28, 2010, when they wed at the Kemp Family farm. A family of two turned into a family of four with the births of their two daughters. 2025 marked 15 years of marriage and 25 years in partnership.
Michael received his Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Design from the University of Missouri - Columbia and obtained a Masters of Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis, Sam Fox School, College of Architecture. Michael was passionate about architecture and started his career at Columbia Associates Architecture in Columbia, Missouri. After architecture school he was employed by HOK Architecture Firm and then Christner Architects. Michael leaves a legacy of innovative design, not only in the St. Louis region but around the world. He was driven by the principle that good design can enhance people’s lives and experiences.
Michael’s lifestyle was one of activity and he was always working on some sort of project, both small and large. He enjoyed hiking, being outdoors, skiing, riding his road bicycle and playing tennis. He also enjoyed playing his electric guitar. He closely followed the Kansas City Chiefs football team and was always ready for a game of frisbee, tossing a mini football or washers. In the early 2000s, Michael designed and helped to construct a house for his parents. In 2016, as designer and general contractor, he added a full second story to his St. Louis home, including a living room, two bedrooms and a full bathroom. His home contains many pieces of furniture he designed and built.
Michael was passionate about art; drawing was his favorite form of expression. This was apparent from a young age. His design process always started with the sketching of an idea. On vacation, he spent many hours with a pen or pencil in his hand and an open sketchbook. His sketches varied from observed nature to significant architectural structures, and everything in between.
Throughout his life, Michael experienced the thrill of traveling, first with his family, then with Raelynn, and finally as a family of four. The Hawaiian Islands were a favorite destination, and Michael was fortunate to visit ten times. His footprints were left in New Zealand (twice), Australia, Canada, Europe (France, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Germany, Andorra), England and in many National Parks in the United States. Immersing himself in nature and visiting significant architectural structures were the focus of adventures. Employment offered additional travel opportunities, including various locations throughout North America, Paris, France and Cairo, Egypt.
In addition to all of his talents and accomplishments, Michael’s greatest achievement was becoming a father in 2013 to Anna and again in 2016 to Emma. Throughout his illness, his unwavering motivation for remission and recovery was continuing to raise his two daughters. He loved them so much.
Friends, family and colleagues are welcome to attend the Celebration of Life events for Michael.
Friday, September 12th, 2025
Open house, 5:30 to 9:30pm
Brentwood Park Event Pavilion @ 2924 Brazeau Ave, Brentwood, MO 63144
Michael designed the pavilion, 2021-2022, while working at Christner Architects
Saturday, September 13th, 2025
Memorial Service/Celebration of Life, 2:00pm
Rockwoods Reservation, in the large, open pavilion next to the Visitors Center @ 2751 Glencoe Rd, Wildwood, MO 63038
Michael, his wife and daughters have enjoyed hiking and spending time at this park over the years.
The family requests memorial contributions be made to Dr. DiPersio’s Blood Cancer Research Laboratory.
Online Donations:
Gifts to Dr. DiPersio’s Research Laboratory (Siteman Cancer Center) can be made online at www.siteman.wustl.edu/tribute
Please select “Other Designation” and type in “Dr. DiPersio’s Research”
Please indicate that the gift is in memory of Michael Browning and whether you would like to inform the family of the gift.
Donation by Mail:
Checks made payable to Siteman Cancer Center
Specify in the memo line: Dr. DiPersio’s Research
Address: Siteman Advancement Office, MSC 1082-414-2555, 7425 Forsyth Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63105
An online memorial from Christner Architects can be found at https://www.facebook.com/share/p/192cSR1DaF/
Services and support of the family provided by Hughes Funeral Alternatives in St. Louis, Missouri. Family and friends can share stories and photos on Michael’s online guestbook at www.HughesFA.com
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