Billy Dean Brown, 82, passed away August 18, 2013 at his residence in Russell.

He was born February 1, 1931 in Snomac, Oklahoma to Jessie and Sarah (Easley) Brown. He grew up in Russell, Kansas.  He was a 1949 graduate of Russell High School.

Billy served in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954.

Billy was united in marriage to Shirley Davis on June 15, 1958 in Russell. This union was blessed with two children: Carol and Billy. They made their home in Russell then moved to Plainville in 1966, then to Texas in 1982 and returning to Russell in 2012.

Billy was an oil field worker and worked for City Service. From 1961-1966 he worked for the electric department for the City of Russell. He attended Gorham Community Church and was a lifetime member of Russell VFW Post #6240.

Billy is survived by his wife of 55 years, Shirley of the home; daughter, Carol Engels (Tracey) of North Port, Florida; son Billy Brown (Paula) of Plainview, Illinois; 11 grandchildren and 7 ½ great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, Lloyd, Leonard and Gary, and grandson Tracey Joe Engels.

Services will be held at 1:00pm Friday, August 23 at Gorham Community Church in Gorham with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating. Burial will follow in Prairie Lawn Cemetery in Gorham with Russell VFW Post #6240 Honor Guard conducting military rites. Visitation will be from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm on Thursday at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell with family present from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm to greet friends. Condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary who is in charge of these arrangements.