William "Bill" R. L. Brave

William "Bill" R. L. Brave of Fredericktown, Missouri, formerly of Bethalto, died May 2, 2022, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis following a lengthy illness. He was born in Chicago on December 20, 1950, and adopted by Virgil and Dorothy (Cantrell) Brave in Wood River. He was 71 years old.

After graduating from Roxana Community High School, Bill married Annice Soper at Calvary Baptist Church in Alton on June 10, 1972. He is survived by his wife and two daughters, Bridget D. Brave (Sean Horkheimer) of Wildwood, Missouri., and Jo Elizabeth Huff (Daniel) of Fredericktown, Missouri., as well as four grandchildren, Nathaniel, Cora, Samuel, and Emily Huff. He also leaves behind two beloved nieces, Jamie Powell Smull of Ballwin, Missouri., and Regina Powell of Ellisville, Missouri, and two of the best friends anyone could ever have, Don and Pam Carter of Madison, Wisconsin.

Twice decorated for his life-saving efforts, Bill retired from the Madison County Sheriff’s Department as a Lieutenant in 2010 after serving for 34 years. He was intensely proud of the Sheriff’s Department and all his fellow officers. Following retirement, he worked for the United States Marshals Service as a court security officer at the Eagleton Court House in St. Louis until 2020. He also served in the Army Reserves for 17 years. He left the service with the rank of Sergeant.

Bill loved the finer things in life and had traveled the world for both work and leisure. He could often be found with a good book, he loved and collected movies, and was a never-ending repository of quotes and jokes from both. His daughters credit him with influencing their excellent taste in music, and their comprehensive knowledge of science fiction films. He always appreciated a great dinner and a good bottle of wine, especially when shared with friends and family. Bill loved animals of all shapes and sizes and spent his final years caring for senior dogs. He never met a dog or cat he didn’t like.

Bill died surrounded by his family, listening to some of his favorite songs. In lieu of flowers, the family requests anyone wishing to honor Bill’s memory donate to the Five A’s Humane Society in Alton, Illinois. Some of the best Brave family pets were adopted from Five As, and the family knew any of Bill’s trips to their facility would involve a new animal coming home. He would certainly not object if one or twenty animals were adopted in his honor.

A get-together for Bill’s family and friends will be held at his favorite eatery, State Street Market in Alton, on June 21 from 6 p.m. until the proprietors kick us out. All are invited to come join the family for some wine, food, and inappropriate storytelling.