Col. Louis E. Browning, M.D., 93, of Natural Bridge, Virginia, died Sunday, June 26, 2011, on the feast of Corpus Christi, at Stonewall Jackson Hospital.

Born October 1, 1917 in Little Rock, AR, he was a son of the late Harry Wynne Browning and Julia Koers Browning.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Helen M. Browning.

Col. Browning was a member of the St. Patrick's Catholic Church.

Col. Browning was a career army officer. His publications and primary fields of interest were in nuclear medicine, radiobiology, retinal burns and medical operations in nuclear warfare.

He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, European Theater, 1944-1945; the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster; and the Legion of Merit.

He was a member of the Rockbridge Hunt and was an avid horseman.

Surviving are two sons, Eugene Browning of Natural Bridge and Joseph W. Browning of New Orleans; one daughter, Maia (Betty) Browning of Arlington, VA; a brother, Dr. James Patrick Browning of Fairhope, AL; one grandchild, Louise Zimmermann and husband, Paul; and three great grandchildren. Cece, Katie and Joey.

A memorial mass will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 9, 2011 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church with the Father Joseph D'Aurora officiating. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Jesuit Southern Province, 710 Baronne Street, Suite B, New Orleans, LA 70113-1064 or to the Episcopal Boys Home, 414 Boys Home Road, Covington, VA 24426.

Arrangements are being handled by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, VA.