William "Bill" Brown

Bill Brown, age 90, was born on April 8, 1932, in Bartholomew County and was the last living child of Carl and Nellie Robertson Brown.  He had 9 brothers and 2 sisters, 1 half-brother, and 2 half-sisters, and 5 step siblings. He passed away on October 22, 2022, at Four Seasons Retirement Center in Columbus Indiana.

Bill Brown graduated from Columbus High School in 1950 and entered the Army on November 7, 1952, completing his Basic Training at Fort Bliss, TX.  He moved to his Permanent Station at Camp Stewart, GA and was a Clerk-typist with the Army.  Bill received the National Defense Service Medal.  He was released from active duty on November 6, 1954, after 2 years of service.

After the service he moved to Jacksonville, FL for a couple of years before returning to Columbus, IN.

Bill worked for Public Service Indiana in Columbus in the stock room and in the 1970's transferred to Plainfield to work at the headquarters.  He retired from Public Service after many years in the 1980s.

Bill was a very hard worker and was always working a couple of jobs throughout his life.  He worked at Benzol's Cleaners, a filling station in Edinburgh, Roscoe's Pizza and a bar where he met many live long friends.  He met Robbie Browning during this time and together they were mowing yards and going on core buying trips in Kentucky.

Later Bill went to work for Bobbie Jo's in the evenings, making pizzas and sandwiches for the dinner meal.  He also went to work at Elder Beerman and worked in the stock room.  This is where he met his good friend, Barry Beeker.  Bill was so kind that he would drive to downtown Columbus to pick Barry up to take him to Elder Beerman before he went to work.  He would have to be at work at 4:00 A.M. and work several hours and then still go to work at Bobbie Jo's in the evenings.

Bill worked well into his 80s.

Bill was also a big IU, Pacers and Colts fan.

Bill also was fortunate to have Angie Whitis in his life.  Angie was very important in his life.  During her childhood Bill would bring her to some of the Brown family functions.  Angie later lived with Bill for about 10 years and gave him company and helped take care of him in his most recent years.  Angie was like a daughter to him.

I would like Angie Whitis, Robbie Browning, Bobbie Jo and Chris and Barry Beeker to know that I appreciate the kindness and friendship you provided through the years to Bill.

He was preceded in death by siblings Harold, Howard, Dale, a female infant, John, Harriett, Bob, Carl Jr., Homer Donald (Duke) and Joyce, a half-sister, Nancy and step siblings Velma and Joanne.

Surviving are half siblings Michael and Linda, and step siblings Nellie and Jack.

William Duane Brown was cremated and laid to rest at Flat Rock Baptist Cemetery.  Arrangements were provided by Eskew-Eaton Funeral Home in Edinburgh, IN.

Memorial contributions can be made to New Hope Christian Church, 1404 400 N, Columbus, IN 47203 in Bill's honor where he was a member since the 1940s.