John Wayne Brown, 75, Appleton City, MO, passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 10, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Born on Nov. 30, 1950, in Clinton, MO, to Wilma Marie (Nichols) and LV Brown Jr., Wayne was the 2nd of 4 children. He grew up on the farm with a strong foundation of faith, family, and hard work. Wayne accepted Christ as his Savior and was baptized at an early age. He was a dedicated member of Round Prairie Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and on the Round Prairie Baptist Cemetery Board.
He attended Hudson R-9 Elementary School and graduated from Appleton City High School in 1968. On Oct. 16, 1971, he married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Shouse. Together they built a beautiful life and recently celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary. They were blessed with 2 children, Jeremy Wayne and Heidi Anne, who were the pride of his life.
After high school, Wayne served 9 years in the Missouri Army National Guard. He worked for Hallmark Cards in Kansas City before returning to his true roots—farming and raising cattle with his father and brother, Don. He was employed by the Missouri Dept. of Transportation and retired after 32 years.
A true cowboy at heart, Wayne was rarely seen without his boots, jeans, cowboy hat, and the pocketknife he always carried. He loved riding his horses—especially his buckskin, Dan—and using him to work cattle. He had many dogs over the years, but his beloved border collie, Belle, was his favorite. He found joy in the simple things—a good day outside, time on his horse working cattle, a familiar face stopping by, hunting, playing pitch and old westerns on TV. Wayne adored his children and grandsons. He was active in all their activities and cherished every moment spent with them.
He was preceded in death by his parents, LV Jr. and Marie Brown, his brother-in-law Bob Hellwig, his niece Cheyanna Hellwig Koshko, brother-in-law Jim Shouse and niece Kelly Shouse Pennington.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy, of the home; his son Jeremy (Tracy) Brown; his daughter Heidi (Tom) Braning; and his grandsons Jackson and Lincoln Braning, sister Carolyn Hellwig; his brothers Steve (Brenda) Brown and Don (Nancy) Brown; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and countless friends.
Funeral services were at 11:30 a.m. Tues., Dec. 16 at the First Baptist Church in Appleton City. Burial was in Appleton City Cemetery. Memorials to Wayn’s Grandsons’ education fund c/o Tom Braning or Round Prairie Baptist Cemetery and may be left at Hill & Son Funeral Home, Appleton City (660-476-2135).
