This site is a work in progress and will be updated frequently.  Please return often to share in honoring the lives and the memories of two men we all hold dear.  Our hearts go out to each and every family member, friend, and fan who is suffering from their loss.

Celebrate Their Life

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Bill Brown Jr.
In Memory of Our Son Bill Brown Jr. March 21, 1960 July 23, 2004 When he came to the end of his journey And he had traveled his last weary mile, Just forget if you can, that he ever frowned And remember only his smile. Forget unkind words he had spoken; Remember some good he had done. Forget that he ever had a heartache And remember he had loads of fun. Forget that he stumbled and blundered And sometimes he fell by the way. Remember he has fought some hard battles And won, ere the close of the day, Then forget to grieve for his going, He would not have you sad for a day, But in summer just gather some flowers And remember the place where he lay, And come in the evening When the sun paints the sky in the west Stand for a few moments beside him And remember only his best. A pardon to the author (unknown) for the word changes. Thank you for the overwhelming outpouring of love and remembrances during our time of loss and grief. If we have failed to acknowledge or thank anyone, please accept this as a personal THANK YOU. Our ordeal was made easier by the help of our loving family and our valued friends. Bill Wear Jr., Benny, Steve, and Gerry, your thoughtfulness will never be forgotten. Joan and Bill Brown
As Published in the Springfield News-Leader 08/08/04

Last Message
We'll be looking for him for so long.
The sound of your voice saved though you're gone.
But now that I want to more than anything,
I can't call you back...
Cooper and Dillon Brown
We would like to thank all of our friends who did so much to make the passing of our friend and father, Bill Brown Jr., easier to bear. We will miss him.
Cathey, Cooper and Dillon Brown
As Published in the Springfield News-Leader 08/22/04

Incomplete list of Bill's Musical Associations:

The Misstakes
The Ozark Mountain Daredevils
Supe and The Sandwiches
Sideshow
The Thomas Brown Affair
Thomas Brown and Call
Don Shipps And The Titanic Blues Band
Anyone who can help with Band Associations, Discogrophies, and sound files of Bill's music, please contact the webmaster.  Thanks!

If I Should Go Before the Rest of You

If I should go before the rest of you
Break not a flower, nor inscribe a stone
Nor when I'm gone speak in a Sunday voice
But be the usual selves that I have known
Weep if you must
Parting is hell
But life goes on
So sing as well

By Joyce Grenfell

Article links from the Springfield News-Leader (in .pdf): 
Fire Kills Two
Two Wonderful Beacons Have Gone Out
Talent Lost Reminds Listners to Appreciate the Music
Concert to Celebrate Their Lives
Full Article For Concert Information (pub. Oct 15th)
News Coverage of the Concert to Celebrate Their Lives

Other News Links:
Fire Kills Two Well Known Musicians
Well Known Musicians Killed in Springfield House Fire
 

IMPORTANT MESSAGE ABOUT THE  FUND

If you contributed to the Bill Brown Family Fund prior to August 17th, 2004 there were serious complications getting the funds placed in the correct account. No deposits made to the Bank of America on Bill's behalf were placed in the correct account before August 17th. Due to the Brown name being so common (such as Smith or Jones) and the fact that there are other Bill Brown memorial funds in the banks nationwide computer system, we had to make adjustments with the bank. We have worked with the bank to ensure future donations will make their way to Billy's family.

If you contributed prior to August 17th, PLEASE bring your bank deposit slip to any Bank of America location and they will make the correction. Specifically ask that your contribution be moved to the Bill Brown Family Fund which is located in Springfield, MO. If you made a contribution and are unable to locate your bank receipt, PLEASE e-mail family_funds@hotmail.com   as soon as possible to ensure your contribution will arrive according to your wishes.

Note the name of the trust fund has been changed from Brown Family Fund to Bill Brown Family Fund.  Thank you for your concern and we apologize for any confusion. Please pass this info on to anyone who may have made a deposit to Bill's account prior to August 17th.

~Bill Brown Family Fund Trustee