Willie Brown, Jr., 75 – Passed February 8, 2014

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Willie Brown, Jr., son of Willie Brown, Sr. and Iva Irene (Cobb) Brown, was born on October 17, 1938 in Douglas County Missouri. After a brief illness he departed this life on February 8, 2014 at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 75 years, three months and 22 days.

Willie grew up in the Douglas and Ozark county area and attended Mountain Grove schools. In 1959 he was united in marriage to Wanda Lou Martin in Dora, Missouri, and the couple made their home in Mountain Grove until their passing. Two daughters were born of this union, Tamela Joan and Elizabeth Ann.

Willie and Wanda worked at Brown Shoe Company in the Mountain Grove and Cabool plants where Willie was a foreman for many years. After retiring from Brown Shoe Company, Willie stayed close to his farm raising cattle, horses and chickens and always had one of the best gardens around. He loved his horses and horseback riding with his trail buddies and was always ready to hook up the boat and head to the lake for a good day of fishing or spending a rainy afternoon in his recliner chair with a good western novel. He loved his family, his neighbors and his friends. He was the one that was always there quietly helping out when someone was in need, and most often would just take the initiative to do those things that were needed without being asked. He was a beloved and devoted brother, husband, father, grandpa and great-grandpa who loved the Lord Jesus as his Savior. He led by example and lived a life of hard work in order to provide for his family.

Willie was preceded in death by Wanda, his wife of 50 years; his parents; and five older siblings.

He is survived by his daughters, Tamela Messerer and husband Lane of Mountain Grove and Beth Ann Brown of the home; four grandchildren, Shawsha, Seath, Kahley and Ariel; two great-grandchildren, Sheridan and Jacelyn; five brothers, Robert, Paul and Lee Brown of Mountain Grove, Ival Brown and wife Patty of Salem, Missouri, and Alfred Brown and wife Clovis of Ozark, Missouri; five sisters, Irene Rhoads of Nampa, Idaho, Leotta Jefferys of Norman, Oklahoma, Judy Jefferys of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Eunice Walker and husband John of Manistique, Michigan, and Judy Fitzhugh and husband Garland of Ozark; many nieces, nephews and other family who will greatly miss him.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, February 12, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. in Cornerstone Free Will Baptist Church with Rev. Ronald Turner officiating. Frank and Doris McCune provided the music. Song selections were “Where The Roses Never Fade,” “Supper Time,” and “No Tears In Heaven.” Pallbearers were Rodney Barnes, Ronnie Thompson, David Rhodes, Roland Walker, Matthew Walker, and Steven Walker. Honorary pallbearers were Jamie McGowan, Brent McGowan, and Gary Thompson. Burial was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mtn. Grove.

Posted in Obituaries