William E. 'Bill' Brown, age 89, Carl Junction, passed away at 6:49 a.m. Friday, April 12, 2019.
Bill was born October 27, 1929 in Treece, Kansas to the late Dewey Robert Brown and Laverne Ferguson Brown.
Bill was a 1947 graduate of Webb City High School. He attended Joplin Junior College, the University of Missouri-Rolla School of Mines and graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a degree in mechanical engineering.
Bill worked for the Missouri Highway Department as a mechanical engineer and conducted the survey work when highway 171 was being constructed between Carl Junction and Pittsburg. In 1954, he co-founded Thermon Manufacturing in Houston, Texas. The business was eventually moved to San Marcos, Texas in 1971, when he semi-retired, but stayed involved.
In 1976, Bill founded BLS Industries in Carl Junction. He was still actively involved with the operation of the family business. Bill was never one to sit still. For over 50 years, Bill operated a ranch at his home in rural Carl Junction. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and held a pilot's license at one time.
Bill supported the Webb City Class of '47 by volunteering at reunions and served on the board at the Jasper County Public Water Supply #2. Bill was a veteran of the United States Army, serving as a member of the military police. He also served in the United States Air Force and the Missouri National Guard. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Bill married Norma Dawson on June 16, 1949 in Pittsburg, Kansas. She preceded him in death on March 7, 2006. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Bob and John and a granddaughter, Amanda Kay Waterman.
Survivors include his children, Mike Brown and wife, Pattye, Joplin, Tom Brown and wife, Shirley, Trophy Club, Texas, Brenda Waterman and husband, Mark, Carl Junction, LeAnn Shallenburger and husband, Danny, Carl Junction; his wife, Zelda Rowan; fourteen grandchildren; twenty seven great grandchildren; and several extended family members, including several step children and their families.
Services are planned for Wednesday at 11:00 p.m. at Christ's Church of Oronogo. Rev. Bob Simon will officiate. Interment will follow at Blackjack Cemetery, North of Joplin. Pallbearers will be Jeff Brown, Jason Brown, Greg Brown, Brian Waterman, Mitchell Shallenburger and Kody Shallenburger. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Blackjack Cemetery or to Make A Wish Foundation, both in care of Parker Mortuary.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
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