William J. “Bill” Brown Jr

William J. “Bill” Brown Jr., age 90, of Jerseyville, passed away Wednesday, July 26, 2017, at Bethalto Care Center with his family by his side.He was born May 27, 1927, in Fidelity, IL, the son of William J. and Anna Mae (Paynter) Brown Sr. He married Shirley Roselle Walton on January 24, 1948 in Alton and she preceded him in death.Bill had worked for IL Power before retiring in 1988. He was an avid golfer and reader. Bill loved traveling with his family. His greatest joys were spending time with his family and friends. Bill was a longtime member of Faith Baptist Church in Godfrey. He was proud to have been a veteran, serving in the US Navy during WWII.He is survived by three children and their spouses, Bonnie and Kenneth Fessler of Godfrey, Bill and Lynn Brown of Bethalto, and Richard and Vicki Brown of Alton; ten grandchildren, Kenny and Alicia Fessler, Matt and Sara Fessler, John Fessler, Jaye Ann and David Beatty, Tori Beth and Kenton Kramer, Samuel and Alyssa Brown, Lonna and Bobby Morrison, Leah Zirkelbach, and Alex Stewart; fifteen great-grandchildren, Brandon, Ethan, Aaron, Alex, David, Emily, Kallie, Klaire, Korine, Kinlee, Ethan, Owen, Andrew,  Jaden, and Braylon; and many other relatives and friends.In addition to his wife, Shirley; he is preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Shirley Gallup, Wanda Redman, and Evelyn Dwyer; and two grandchildren, Barbara and Caleb Fessler.Visitation will be held Sunday, July 30, 2017 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey.Funeral services will be held Monday, July 31, 2017, at 10:00 am in the funeral home chapel with his grandson, Rev. Samuel Brown and Rev. Tom Olney officiating.Burial will take place in Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville with military burial rites provided by Alton VFW Post #1308.Memorials may be made to Faith Baptist Church or Mississippi Valley School.Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey is in charge of arrangements.Condolences may be found online at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com

Obit Provided By:
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home