William H. "Bill" Brown

William H. "Bill" Brown, a longtime resident of St. Johns and a trusted insurance agent in the community for decades, died peacefully on February 26, 2026, at Hazel Findlay Country Manor, in the loving care of his family. He was 77 years old.

Bill was born in Lansing, Michigan, on March 20, 1948, the son of Howard and Virginia (Thayer) Brown. He married Charlene Parker on January 21, 1967, in DeWitt, Michigan. Together they made their home on McConnell Street in St. Johns, where they built a life rooted in family, music, and community. Charlene preceded him in death in 2015.

Bill's first career was with Motor Wheel in Lansing where he worked for over twenty-eight years, and after which he devoted his professional life to serving others through his work as an insurance agent with the McKenzie Agency in St. Johns. For many years, he helped businesses, individuals and families protect what mattered most, earning their trust through his steady presence and genuine care. Even in retirement, he kept office hours and remained connected to the agency as an emeritus member, a testament to his dedication and lasting impact.

Music was at the heart of Bill's life. He was a gifted guitarist and singer and formed his first band Bill Brown and the Rhythm Riders in 1973. In 1983 he formed the band "Sidekicks" alongside his friend Harvey Evans, who played drums and sang, Bill performed as part of their two-man band, bringing music to countless gatherings and events. Their repertoire included country, 1950s and 1960s rock and roll, polkas, and waltzes. The Sidekicks were honored with induction into the Western Michigan Country Music Hall of Fame. Bill's love of music never faded. He continued playing and singing throughout his life, even performing for residents and staff at Hazel Findlay Country Manor and sharing music with his family in his final days.

Bill was member of St. Johns Seventh-day Adventist Church, where he and Charlene shared their love of faith and fellowship for many years. He took great pride in his home and was especially known for his immaculate lawn, widely admired as one of the finest in town. He was a thoughtful neighbor, a community-minded gentleman, and a man whose quiet kindness and steady character left a lasting impression.

He is survived by his loving companion, Maureen Durbin; his daughters, Michele (Guy) Ward, Danielle (Bert) Reinink, Amy (Shawn) Huff, and Rebekah Kilpatrick; his grandchildren, Alan (Brittany) Ward, Aaron Ward, Katie (Kurtis) Perry, Zakery (Alisha) Kilpatrick, Christopher Huff (Hannah Ashcraft), and Emma Huff (Morgan Lecato); three great-grandchildren; faithful friends, Todd and Marsha Dollarhite, Harvey and Chris Evans, Butch Brown, his spiritual mentor and pastor, Dan Tower, and many other dear friends and fellow congregants at Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Visitation will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel, 1500 Waterford Parkway, St. Johns, on Thursday, March 5, from 3-7PM. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, March 6, at 11AM with visitation beginning at 10AM. Pastor Dan Tower will officiate. Burial will follow in Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns. Following interment a luncheon will be held at the UAW Hall in St. Johns.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bill's name to the St. Johns Seventh-day Adventist Church.