John Brown, 78, of Columbia, passed away Friday, December 22, 2023 while in Independence, MO. Visitation will be from 10-11am, Wednesday, January 3rd at Memorial Funeral Home 1217 Business Loop 70 West Columbia. Masonic service will immediately precede the funeral service at 11am, and burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.
John was born May 17, 1945 in Columbia, MO to Melton and Mildred Williamson Brown. In 1963, he graduated from Hickman High School. He attended a trade school in St. Louis, MO where he studied welding and pipe fitting. He then worked the next 50 years as a Union Pipefitter before his retirement. On January 11, 1990, he Married Karen Sue Brown in Fulton, and she preceded him in death in August 2017. He and Karen enjoyed going to estate sales and gun shows together, as well as spending time at the lake in their cabin. They most enjoyed spending time together with their friends and family. John also enjoyed hunting, and was a life-time member of the NRA. He also served many years as a Mason and was a member of Union 562 Plumbers and Pipefitters.
He is survived by his children, Michele (Brad) Bates of Johnstown, CO, Michelle (Mike) McGhee of Kingdom City, Keith Miller of Columbia, Susan Brown of Chesterfield, and Stephanie (Mark) Howard of Mason, Michigan; nine grandchildren, Ryan (Kate) Karnik, Kayla (Grant) Christensen, Josh Gotfried, Owen Gotfried, Thomas Brown, Aiden Brown, Caleb Howard, Anneliese Howard, and Elaine Miller; six great-grandchildren, Jax, Liam, and Nash Christensen, and Kristin, Eliana, and Charlotte Karnik; sisters, Cheri (Pat) Wilson of Millersburg and Bobbi Brown of Yuma, AZ; a sister-in-law, Carla Brown of Eagle Point, OR; a dear friend, Eddie Hutchison, several nieces and nephews, and a loving extended family. He was preceded in death by his wife of 27 years, Karen Sue Brown; two brothers, Joel and Andy Brown, and his parents.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com
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