Upper Marlboro, Maryland - Browne Lee Kooken, 88, of Upper Marlboro, Md., passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Homewood Autumn Lake Assisted Living, in Baltimore, Md. According to his wishes, he was cremated. A "Celebration of Life" will be held at a later date.

Browne Lee was born on Oct. 4, 1937, in Keyser, W.Va. He was the son of Vincent Browne Kooken and Virginia Lee (Kesner) Kooken.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda (Jones) Kooken, formerly of Midland, Md.; sons, Brent Kooken (Lisa), Brian Kooken (Mary Ann); daughter, Brooke Kooken Silard (Kevin); granddaughter, Sarah Kooken Middleton ( Jimmy); sisters, Bonnie Kooken Camenisch (Paul), Anita Kooken Lupton (Bob); brothers, Thomas Kooken (Jean), Richard Kooken (Cher); sister-in-law, Elma (Jones) Layman; and many nieces, great-nieces, nephews, and great-nephews and cousins.

Browne Lee was a graduate of Bruce High School, Class of 1955, Westernport, Md.; Potomac State College, Class of 1957, Keyser, W.Va; George Washington University, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, Class of 1961, Washington, D.C.; and Georgetown Law School, Class of 1966, Washington, D.C.

During his college years, he worked at West Virginia Pulp and Paper Mill, Luke, Md.; Washington National Airport; Washington, D.C., District of Columbia Government, Department of Highways and Traffic, and AFSCME - American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Washington D.C.

After law school, he practiced law at Piper and Marbury in Baltimore, Md.; Dukes, Troese & Kooken in Landover, Md.; and Browne L. Kooken Law Firm, P.A., in Upper Marlboro, Md., for over 50 years.

He was an avid crossword puzzler, enjoyed ocean/beaches, and traveled across United States, Canada and Mexico. He was a longtime member of the University of Maryland Terrapin Club, attended Maryland men and women's basketball games and also football games. He attended ACC Tournaments until Maryland joined the Big Ten Division. He also was a huge fan of the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals.

Browne Lee enjoyed playing guitar and performing with his son, Brian, a professional musician, and with many other musicians. He especially enjoyed performing with granddaughter Sarah and Brian in their group called "Lassie, Laddie, and Daddie!"

A "Celebration of Life" will be held at Boal Funeral Home, 111 Church St., Westernport, MD, 21562, on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Browne Lee's childhood church at Piedmont Presbyterian Church, 63 Ashfield St., P.O. Box 51, Piedmont, WV 26750.