Richard Lane Brown

Richard Brown, 69, of Unionville, Missouri, passed away of natural causes at his home on Monday, July 25, 2022, after a period of declining health.

​Richard Lane Brown was born in Adair County on February 4, 1953, the son of Robert and Ruth (Hart) Brown. He graduated from Unionville High School in 1971 and then graduated from Northeast Missouri State Teachers College in Kirksville in ABS Drafting and Design. He married Terri Martin in 1973. To that marriage two children were born. Richard worked with Missouri Mining after college for seven years as a purchasing agent. Richard, along with Joe Steele and his dad Robert Brown, purchased and operated the Unionville Ready Mix for seven years. Richard then attended Northeast Missouri State University obtaining a BS in Industrial Occupation. He began working for Hamilton and Associates in Kirksville, Missouri, for two years doing design work, concrete/soil analysis, and as a public works construction Inspector. Richard completed his BSE in Industrial Arts and Technology from Truman State University. He moved to Kansas City and soon after, married Mary Watson in 1990. There were no children born to this marriage, but he gained three stepchildren. He was employed with Smoot Company for eleven years. Richard was a Design Engineer, Sales Engineer, Sales Manager, and later Vice President of Sales. He was very proud of the four patents he had designed and developed. Richard married Ellen Jessen in 1999. To that marriage one child was born and Richard also gained a stepdaughter. The family moved to Iowa in 2000. Richard worked for Dana Corp for 6 years as a supervisor in the engine bearings department, in addition to having a large garden and greenhouse.

Richard moved back to Unionville in 2011 and helped his father as “the boat doctor” as well as being a substitute teacher.  He was also a self-employed carpenter and handyman. In 2013, he became engaged to Patsy Pearson and gained two stepdaughters. Richard loved woodworking, being outdoors, and telling stories. He could fix just about anything. If a topic came up in conversation, the next time you spoke with Richard, he would know everything about that topic.  Throughout his life, Richard was active in his community. He served as North ward Alderman/Mayor Protem of the City of Unionville. He organized and served on the Unionville Action Committee helping to procure Dun lap. He served on the Board of Directors of Unionville Natural Gas. He was an Incident commander on the Hazmat team for many years. He was also a member of the Unionville Methodist church. Richard was a past Master of the Unionville Masonic Lodge #10. He was a certified Lecturer-1st and 3rd degrees and opening/closing a lodge. Richard was also a member of the Unionville chapter #123, and Kirks Council and Commander. He was also a Shriner with St. Joseph El Kadir.

​Richard is survived by his son, John Jessen (Michaela) Brown of Ontario, Oregon, and two daughters Tori Brown Godfrey of Stockton, California, and Richelle (Travis) Lee of Kirksville.  His stepchildren are Sheila (Carroll) Noland, Melinda Thompson, Lisa (Dib) Doss, Cameron Watson, Candy Watson, and Isaac Watson. His grandchildren are Jordyn Tipton, Keaton Lee, J. Parker Lee, Jake Lee, Kelsey (Clien) Lay, Lane Noland, and Nickolas VanGenderen. Two great-grandsons, Case and Coy Lay.  He is also survived by a sister, Glenda Brenneman of Kansas City; a nephew, Ryan Cole, an aunt, Arlene (Lloyd) Allen of Unionville; an uncle, Clifford Brown of Livonia, Missouri, an aunt Barbara Sue Hart of St. Louis, Missouri; an uncle, Roger Hart (Joan) of Bucyrus, Ohio, and several cousins.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Jasper Brown and his beloved fiancé, Patsy Pearson. Richard is also preceded in death by his maternal grandparents; Paul and Olive Hart, his paternal grandparents; Jasper and Audrey Brown, in addition to several aunts and uncles: Mary Lewman, Pearl Hart, Patsy Hart, Bill Hart, and Gerold Brown.

One of Richard’s favorite quotes was “Gained more than some, Lost more than many but still came out a winner-“So Mote It Be”.

His wishes were to be cremated.  No services are planned at this time.

For more information call Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 660) 947-2200.