William “Bill” Matthew Brown, 89, of Ferris, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home
on 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.