C. Earl Brown

On August 6, 1935, Coma Earl Brown was born to Ervin Lafayette Brown and Lucinda Ann (Blake) Brown in Pulaski County, Missouri, where “Earl” as he was known by, lived out most of his life, going to school in Richland, Missouri. As a young man he made a profession of faith and relied on the Lord he served all throughout his life. On January 14, 1953, Earl entered into the US Army where he faithfully served his country, receiving the National Defense Service Medal before his honorable discharge on January 13, 1956. After the service, Earl married Barbara Jean (Hutton) on March 9, 1956 and the two were blessed with their precious children, Theresa and Danny. Together they shared 52 years together before Barb’s passing on February 28, 2008. On July 4, 2008, Earl was united in marriage to Mary Jo (Weeks) Miller, and they shared over 16 wonderful, fun filled years together side by side. Earl will tell you he was a blessed man with the addition of Mary Jo’s children as they welcomed him into their lives. Earl loved them just as they were his own, and they loved him too. Earl was an excellent carpenter and handyman by trade. There was no job too big, or too small for Earl and many stood amazed that he would take on the task of building someone’s home all by himself. His great work ethic, paying attention to every detail, no matter how big or small, along with his honesty kept Earl a very busy man, in and out of the community. Earl enjoyed his trade and meeting people along the way was a bonus, and he valued the friendships he built along his journey. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ervin (1966) and Lucinda (1990), one son, Danny Earl Brown (2002), two brothers, Cyrus Rucker, and Elvin Brown, five sisters, Wahneeta Rose (Brown) Hudgens (2004), Daisy Delores Smith, Opal Harvel, Beulah Beals, and Ollie “Faye” Baranowski (2002), sons-in-law, Edwin “B.D.” Wheeler (2017), and Eddy Wheat (2024), grandson, Todd Beeson (1989), granddaughter, Holly Wheeler (2020) , and sisters-in-law, Mary Brown, Anna Mae (McDonald) Brown (1995) and Mabel “Joyce” (Scott) Brown (2019). Earl hung up his tool belt and went home to Heaven on the morning of Friday, March 14, 2025, while in Lake Regional Health System of Osage Beach, Missouri, having attained the age of 89 and leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Mary Jo of their home in Richland, MO; his children, Theresa Wheat, and her son, Earl’s grandson, Daniel Wheat both of Columbus, MS, Rodney Miller of the state of AR, Jane Beeson (Rick) of MO, Carol Wheeler of MO, Paul Miller of the state of KY, Greg Snoderly (Barb) of Richland, MO, and Julie Zeigenbein (Greg) of Richland, MO; one brother, Earnest Melvin “Pug” Brown of Richland, MO; brothers-in-law, Elmer Dean Hutton, of Crocker, James Baranowski, David Allen Hutton (Debbie), and Dennis Joe Hutton (Sue) of Richland, MO, sister-in-law, Nina Stone (Ed) of Richland, MO; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends. Our hearts are broken, however, Heaven must have needed another carpenter, and so the Lord called Earl home. Even though his work here on earth is finished, Earl will forever be remembered in the hearts of all those who knew and loved his as a wonderful son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather “Poppy Earl,” caring friend, and neighbor. Services with military honors provided by the U.S. Army and American Legion Post 407 were held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 22, 2025, in the Memorial Chapel of Richland with Pastor Mike Hawkins officiating. The reading of the obituary was by Dillion Zeigenbein. Favorite songs included Amazing Grace and I’ll Lead You Home. A private burial will be held in the Oaklawn Cemetery of Richland at a later date. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Army Veteran Earl Brown and may be left at the Memorial Chapel of Richland. Online condolences may be sent to www.memorialchapelsandcrematory.com

C. Earl Brown

August 16, 1935 - March 14, 2025