William Lesley Brown, 78 of Centralia, passed away Thursday, May 25, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Friday, June 2, 2023, at Fenton-Kendrick Funeral Home in Centralia. Burial with full military honors will follow the service in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of the service on Friday at the funeral home.

William was born on February 16, 1945, the son of Harry L. and Zola Marie (Jenkins) Brown.

On February 14, 1971, William married Kay Burks and she survives.

Along with his wife Kay, William is survived by a daughter, Gina Cox and husband Larry of Centralia; grandchildren, Maekayla Miller and husband Eli of Tennessee, Osson Cox and wife Brittany of Centralia, Jase Cox and wife Elyse of California, and Jackson Cox, currently stationed in Germany; great-grandchildren, Atlas and Noble Miller, Ella Cox; brother, Jerry Brown and wife Glenda of Callao.

William was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Janie Sue (Finley) Sports and nephews, Jon Michael Spotts and David Spotts.

William served his country in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967.

He was a truck driver and mechanic, driving for Sehlke Trucking in Keytesville, and Brunswick River Terminal. William owned his own trucking business, then later drove for Orscheln Industries and First Fleet Co. of Murfreesboro, TN, where he earned the Million Mile Safe Driving Award. After retiring from driving over the road, he worked for B& K Pallet Company in Centralia, and operated Brown Trucking part time until full retirement in December 2021.

He loved repairing old lawn mowers, working in the garden, and helping neighbors and friends.

He enjoyed visiting with people, whether he knew them or not. His passion was old cars, trucks and farm tractors.

He shared a very special connection with Jase Jackson and Eli who also decided to serve in the military and bonded with his grandson Osson over their love of trucks.

William was a member of Parkview Christian Church.

Memorial donations are suggested to the Parkview Christian Church and may be sent in care of Fenton-Kendrick Funeral Home 104 S. Collier St. Centralia, MO 65240.