William Anciel Brown

William ‘Wild Bill’ Anciel Brown, born January 17, 1943, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at his home in Springfield, Missouri, on November 17, 2025, surrounded by some of the many who loved him.

A man of quiet strength, steady wisdom, and a heart that always had room for one more, Bill lived a life marked by resilience and deep devotion to those he loved. He was known for greeting everyone with a new joke every time he saw them, bringing laughter and light to countless moments.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 60 years, Eva Ruth Wilson Brown; his parents, Myrtle Elizabeth Browning and Anciel Brown; his sister, Carol Elizabeth Brown; and two sons, Layne Edmond Brown and Eugene Leon Brown—losses he carried with both grace and unwavering faith.

Bill is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Ruth Johnson (and husband Howard) and Elizabeth Jane Hicks (and husband Tim); many grandchildren; and multiple great-grandchildren, who will forever cherish his stories, humor, and the warmth he brought to every room. His legacy of love, patience, and kindness lives on in each generation. He is also beloved by many nieces and nephews and was blessed with lifelong friends.

His years were filled with family gatherings, simple joys, and a deep pride in the lives of those he helped shape. Bill’s presence was a steady anchor, and his absence will be profoundly felt by all who knew him. Volunteering in his community was an important part of Bill’s life as well, which he did through Optimist Clubs, Scouts, church groups, and, in recent years, the senior center.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held January 17, 2026. Please check back for service details as they become available.

In place of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to organizations that uplift youth—something close to Bill’s heart:

● Show-Me Christian Youth Home

PO Box 6, La Monte, MO 65337

(showmehelpingkids.com/give)

● Optimist International Foundation

PO Box 952780, St. Louis, MO 63195

(oifoundation.org/donate.cfm)

If making a donation, please include the note: “In memory of William ‘Wild Bill’ Brown.”

The family also welcomes friends and loved ones to share photos, memories, and stories of Bill, celebrating the moments, jokes, and laughter that made him so deeply cherished at www.hhlohmeyer.com