Billie Gene Brown, 95, passed away at 2:30 pm, Monday, November 19, 2018 at Rosewood Care Center in Edwardsville.
He was born on June 22, 1923 in West Frankfort, Illinois, the son of George and Eva (Bohanon) Brown. Bill later moved to Alton, where he worked as a laborer at the Western (Olin Corporation), Alton Brick Company, and later at Richards Brick in Edwardsville.
On April 7, 1945, Bill married Lelia Eileen Baldridge in Alton, Illinois. They enjoyed 46 years of marriage before her death in 1991, and they had five children.
Bill was a kind and loving family man and father. He loved square dancing, Cardinal baseball, and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren.
He is survived by his daughter, Linda Klueter (Russell) of Worden, IL; a son, William Brown (special friend, Sherry) of Gloucester, VA; a sister, Hazel Holder of Benton, KY; nine grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and one special friend, Cathy Platto of Atlanta, Georgia.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lelia; two daughters, Geraldine Heinemeier and Theresa Kay Rake; a son, George “Ed” Edward Brown; a sister, Jeannie Brien; and a half brother, William Jefferson “W.J.” Scales.
Visitation will be held Saturday, November 24, 2018 at 9:00 am until time of services at 11:00 am at Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.
Memorials may be given to the Zion Lutheran Youth Fund.
Elias Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto is in charge of arrangements.
