Submitted by Jan Grooms

Billy E. R. Brown was born on May 22, 1933 in the Cherry Tree Community, Stilwell, Oklahoma to Franklin Brown and Mable (Winkler) Brown. He passed peacefully from this life on Monday, December 31, 2018 in Fayetteville, Arkansas with his family by his side.

He attended Dahlonegah grade school, graduated from Stilwell High School in 1952 and attended Northeastern State University. He began courting Viola Wofford, a childhood friend, in the Summer of 1953. They were married just days before he was to be deployed to Germany during the Korean Conflict. Their relationship lasted 45 years until her passing in March of 1998. He missed her dearly. They raised a family of five children: Jan, Jerry, Vivian, Mike and Ginger.

Bill was a trustworthy and respected business man. He ran his own plumbing business for approximately 43 years in Stilwell, Oklahoma. Much of Bill’s life was dedicated to his career but included in that was his love for his homestead. He enjoyed time on the farm, raising cattle, making a garden, and in later years, spending time with his grandchildren.

Bill proudly served and was a veteran of the United States Army. Later years found him actively involved in the American Legion Post #102, where he served as the Commander for 15 years, the longest-serving Commander for a post in the State of Oklahoma. He also was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV). He carried a deep respect for all military personnel and those who fought for our freedom.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, loving wife, two sisters, and a granddaughter.

He is survived by his children, Janice Benjamin of Tulsa; Jerry Brown and wife Shondean of Stilwell; Vivian Roberts and husband George of Stilwell; Michael Brown of the home in Stilwell; and Ginger Reeves and husband Jeff of Fort Gibson; one brother, George Brown of Houston, TX; 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and loved ones.

His legacy of hard work, determination, and diligence will live on in his children and grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. in the Roberts/Reed-Culver Chapel with Larry Hatfield officiating.

Interment followed in the Stilwell City Cemetery under the direction of Roberts/Reed-Culver Funeral Home.