Jerry Brown

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Jerry Lee Brown passed away peacefully at his home in Stark City, on June 17, 2026, at the age of 83. He was born at his family home in Newton County, Missouri on September 8, 1942, to James Maxwell and Georgia Mae (Kelley) Brown.

Jerry grew up in rural Newton County, and as an adult made his home. He attended Midway High School and was a member of the 1960 graduating class where he was a track star. He went on to attend Pittsburg State University on a track scholarship. He was inducted into the PSU Hall of Fame for setting the track record for the mile relay in 1961. His record is still unbroken. He then finished up his studies at Missouri Southern where he graduated with a degree in Physical Education.

His high school sweetheart, Mary Lou Eden, became his bride on July 26, 1963, at Newtonia Baptist Church in Newtonia, Missouri. They shared 57 years of love and life together before her passing on November 26, 2020. Jerry and Mary enjoyed the simple things in life. They were content to spend quiet evenings at home, most of the time. Every now and then they’d take a drive over to Monett to get some ice cream from Dairy Queen, that was the perfect date night for the two of them.

As a young adult, Jerry enjoyed playing softball with the Neosho Angels and Neosho Red Carpet teams. One fateful slide into second base broke his leg, and unfortunately, put an end to his sports career. After hanging up his track shoes and ball glove, Jerry became quite the outdoorsman. He was an avid hunter for quail, coyotes, and deer. He was also a dedicated fisherman. March 1st was a big day in the Brown household. Jerry would let James and Terry both play hooky so they could tag along to Roaring River to trout fish with him. The boys still look back on those trips fondly.

He always ran cattle when the boys were small and was able to purchase more land near his homeplace, where he expanded his cattle farming. He enjoyed being a farmer, attending auctions, and spending time with his family and friends. He was a member of Newtonia Baptist Church. Over the years he had coffee with the guys, making time to catch up and pal around with the fellas.

Jerry is survived by his sons, James Brown (Jody) of Ft. Worth, Texas, and Terry Brown (Robin) of Granby, Missouri; his two grandsons, Gordon Brown and Jackson Brown; and his siblings, Barbara Kernodle (David) of Harrison, Arkansas, and James Brown (Kimberly) of Republic, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Georgia Brown and his wife, Mary Lou Brown.

A Graveside service will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at the IOOF Cemetery in Newtonia, Missouri, where he will be laid to rest next to his wife.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Newtonia Baptist Church c/o Clark Funeral Home P.O. Box 66 Neosho, Missouri 64850.