William Matthew "Bill" Brown
William Matthew "Bill" Brown
Obituary
Guest Book
William Brown Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
Bill was born at home in Hancock County, Illinois, on March 14, 1936, to George K. and Flossie Ann (Stevenson) Brown. On August 28, 1959, Bill was united in marriage to Mary Alice Vander Molen in Grandville, Michigan. She survives him, cherishing the memory of their 65 years together.
Over the years, Bill worked as a farmer, a fertilizer plant manager, a truck driver, and a commercial electrician. He was also instrumental in founding the Dallas Rural Water District, a lasting contribution to his community. Bill was a member of Bel Air Baptist Church for many years. After retiring in 2001, William spent his time pursuing the things he loved most. He had a passion for woodworking and antique tractors but found his greatest joy in spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren who brought him endless pride and happiness.
Bill is survived by his wife, Mary Alice Brown of Ferris, IL; his children, Dawn (James) Ferris of Donnellson, IA, Sally (Jeff) Fadley of Carefree, AZ; his grandchildren, James Daniel (Cara) Ferris, Stephanie (Travis) Bailey, Ashley Nicole Ferris, Brianna Dawn Ferris, Lauren G. (Bojan) Tuco, Jamie E. Fadley, John William Fadley; his great-grandchildren, James Matthew Ferris, William Reid Ferris, Kaitlyn Ferris, Abigail Ferris, Jordan Vorwaldt, Jayden Vorwaldt, Aurora Ferris, and Mirac L. Lord; and his sister, Elizabeth (Brown) Eder of Industry, TX.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Ernest Brown, Pearl Brown, and Thomas Brown, his sisters, Lola Davis, and Georgia Owen, and his great-grandson, Hunter Anthony Vorwaldt.
A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Bel Air Baptist Church in Keokuk, IA. Visitation will be held prior starting at 9 am until the time of the service. Memorials may be made out to the Bel Air Baptist Church. Printy Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
Services
Visitation
Thursday
May 8, 2025
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Bel Air Baptist Church
2101 Orleans Ave
Keokuk, IA 52632
Funeral Service
Thursday
May 8, 2025
11:00 AM
Bel Air Baptist Church
2101 Orleans Ave
Keokuk, IA 52632 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of William 'Bill' Matthew Brown, please visit our Tree Store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
405 Cherry St, Carthage, IL 62321
Make a Donation
in William Brown's name
People and places connected with William
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support William's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor William Brown's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
