William 'Bill' Brown Obituary William "Bill" Matthew Brown, 89, of Ferris, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, April 28, 2025, surrounded by his family. Bill was born at home in Hancock County, Illinois, on March 14, 1936, to George K. and Flossie Ann (Stevenson) Brown. On August 28, 1959, Bill was united in marriage to Mary Alice Vander Molen in Grandville, Michigan. She survives him, cherishing the memory of their 65 years together. Over the years, Bill worked as a farmer, a fertilizer plant manager, a truck driver, and a commercial electrician. He was also instrumental in founding the Dallas Rural Water District, a lasting contribution to his community. Bill was a member of Bel Air Baptist Church for many years. After retiring in 2001, William spent his time pursuing the things he loved most. He had a passion for woodworking and antique tractors but found his greatest joy in spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren who brought him endless pride and happiness. Bill is survived by his wife, Mary Alice Brown of Ferris, IL; his children, Dawn (James) Ferris of Donnellson, IA, Sally (Jeff) Fadley of Carefree, AZ; his grandchildren, James Daniel (Cara) Ferris, Stephanie (Travis) Bailey, Ashley Nicole Ferris, Brianna Dawn Ferris, Lauren G. (Bojan) Tuco, Jamie E. Fadley, John William Fadley; his great-grandchildren, James Matthew Ferris, William Reid Ferris, Kaitlyn Ferris, Abigail Ferris, Jordan Vorwaldt, Jayden Vorwaldt, Aurora Ferris, and Mirac L. Lord; and his sister, Elizabeth (Brown) Eder of Industry, TX. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Ernest Brown, Pearl Brown, and Thomas Brown, his sisters, Lola Davis, and Georgia Owen, and his great-grandson, Hunter Anthony Vorwaldt. A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Bel Air Baptist Church in Keokuk, IA. Visitation will be held prior starting at 9 am until the time of the service. Memorials may be made out to the Bel Air Baptist Church. Printy Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Services Visitation Thursday May 8, 2025 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM Bel Air Baptist Church 2101 Orleans Ave Keokuk, IA 52632 Funeral Service Thursday May 8, 2025 11:00 AM Bel Air Baptist Church 2101 Orleans Ave Keokuk, IA 52632