Joseph William Brown

Joseph William (JW) Brown was born on November 6th, 1937, in Coffeyville, KS, to James A. and Dorothy Louise (Shaw) Brown. His childhood years were spent living in various communities across southeast Kansas; over the years the family grew with the addition of 2 sisters (Carolyn and LaDonna) and 3 brothers (Ronald, Robert and Tom), and settled in Peru, KS for JW’s high school years.

JW met the love of his life, Carol Arline Henderson, and married her on July 12, 1957, before she could change her mind. Their marriage was blessed with 3 children, (Deborah Ruth, William Mark, Tracy Lynn), 16 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. JW and Carol shared an enduring love that lasted through 63 years of life’s ups and downs, until she passed in March of 2021.

JW worked hard to be a good provider, almost to a fault. Early in his adult life, he held several different jobs. He then became an airplane mechanic, working at Boeing and Cessna, in Wichita. Through his work, he was able to travel to various areas around the world, repairing and refitting airplanes.

After his retirement, JW continued to work, doing various jobs because being active and productive was important to him. JW loved to garden, but even more, he loved to take care of his family. He was so much more than a provider, he was a mentor and a caregiver as well. JW loved his family, nieces, nephews, friends and church family with all of his heart and JW had a big heart.

At the ripe age of 84, JW accepted Jesus Christ as his LORD and Savior, then spent his final years learning (and applying) all he could about the Bible, God’s grace and Christ’s gift of salvation.

On Saturday, December 20th, 2025, after months of illness, JW joined his beloved wife, Carol, in their eternal home with their LORD and Savior.

A visitation for JW will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, at First Baptist Church of Copan,120 N. Maple Ave. Copan, OK. A service celebrating JW’s life will follow the visitation. Interment will take place at Niotaze Fairview Cemetery in Niotaze, Kansas. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Midian Shrine Plane of Mercy.