SGT (Ret) John Stephen Brown Sr.

John Stephen Brown, Sr., son of Fremonte Albert Brown, Sr. and Genevieve Ann (Boczek) Brown, was born September 16, 1957, in St. Louis, Missouri. As a young boy, John grew up in St. Louis and at the age of 17, he entered the United States Army. He served his country faithfully until his retirement after 20+ years of service. John did his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood and then was stationed at the following duty stations: Korea, Alabama, Germany, Korea, and in 1990 came back to Fort Leonard Wood where he decided to remain after his retirement. He had attained the rank of Sergeant and earned several awards and commendations; some of which included the Army Commendation Medal – 2nd Ward, Army Achievement Medal – 6th Award, Army Good Conduct Medal – 6th Award, NCO Professional Development Ribbon – 2nd Award, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon – 3rd Award, Drivers Mechanic Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Expert Qualification Badge Rifle M16, and Marksman Qualification Badge Hand Grenade. On October 26, 1974, John was united in marriage to Shirley Ann Hopper in St. Louis, Missouri. They shared over 50 years of marriage together and were blessed with two children: Ann and John Jr. After retiring from the military, John continued serving his country as a civil service employee and retired after 20 years of service. In his spare time, John enjoyed doing small engine repairs and being outdoors. You could find him either fishing, swimming, or riding the 4wheeler with the grandchildren. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and treasured all the times they could spend together. John had made a profession of faith and attended Faith Baptist Church in Waynesville. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge. John entered his heavenly home on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in the Phelps Health Hospital of Rolla, Missouri having attained the age of 67 years of age. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. John leaves to cherish his memory his wife: Shirley Brown of the home; two children: Ann Ritchie (James) of Waynesville, MO and John Brown Jr. (Chalenna) of Waynesville, MO; four grandchildren: Issaiah Brown (Kimberly), Jaidyn Brown, Maverick Brown, and Dominic Brown; one great grandchild: Ryleigh Brown; two brothers: Fremonte Brown Jr. (Linda) and Richard Brown; two sisters: Patricia Broadbent (Tom) and Diane Burchett (Charles); brother-in-law: Richard Hopper (Cecilia) of Union, MO; several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by five siblings: Kathleen Brown, Barbara Mattler, David Brown, Albert “Cookie” Brown, and James Brown. Even though he is gone from our sight, John’s love for his family and commitment to his country will live on in our hearts forever. Services were held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 27, 2025 in the Faith Baptist Church of Waynesville, Missouri with Pastor Danny Graves officiating. Burial with military honors were held at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, 2025 in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Arrangements were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of John Stephen Brown, Sr. and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory or at Faith Baptist Church the day of the service.

SGT (Ret) John Stephen Brown Sr.

September 16, 1957 - May 20, 2025