William Edward Brown

Bill Brown passed away at home Wednesday, January 8, 2025, of natural causes at the age of 100 years.

 Born September 8, 1924, on a farm near Belfry Montana, Bill was the second of 5 children to Matt and Hazel Brown. He attended Bostic Country School, Belfry Elementary and High Schools, and graduated from Bridger High School in 1942. He then served in the U.S. Navy for the duration of WWII, returning home with an honorable discharge New Years Eve 1945. All 11 boys from his graduating class enlisted into the armed services and survived to return home.

 Bill met Helen Harman at a Spring dance in Belfry and they were married on his birthday in 1946. They enjoyed 68 years of enduring love and happiness together. They raised 5 children, and have 18 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren. 29 great-great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-great-grandchildren.

 His career was in the automotive industry, starting in the parts department at Billings Motor, then Buick Corporation, and culminating in owning the Bill Brown Buick Dealership in Chula Vista, Ca. He also owned the Rainbow Motel in Livingston, Mt, and later was a janitor and bus driver for the Bridger School District. Bill also served 4 years on the Bridger City Council and served 2 terms as Mayor. In 1990 Bill and Helen retired to Sequim, WA., and moved to Missoula, MT in 2004.

 Bill was preceded in death by his parents and siblings and beloved wife Helen. Survivors include children Ruth, Beverly, Bill, Roxanne and Alan, sister-in-law Eldora, cousins Fred and Bob Walter and a multitude of adoring nieces and nephews.

 Bill’s Memorial Service will be at 1 p.m. Friday, January 31, 2025 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home in Missoula. His grandson Johnny Tyler will officiate. Burial will be immediately following at Sunset Memorial Gardens.