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William "Bill" Brownof Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Thursday, September 22, 2022
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William F. (Bill) Brown was born January 28th, 1958, in Kadoka, South Dakota, the third child of Joe and Letoy (Leggett) Brown, joining siblings Leanne and Joey – quite a threesome. This happy little family at the time lived in the living quarters adjacent to the barbershop their father operated on Main Street in Kadoka. What a happy, carefree, joyous time to be able to grow up in small town South Dakota, even if it was cramped quarters!
Bill attended school at Kadoka until 1976 when he made the decision to venture out on his own. He then acquired his GED and followed in his father’s footsteps by joining the U.S. Navy in 1977 and was honorably discharged due to a medical condition. He then returned to Kadoka and started working at the Husky Truck Stop where he met his wife of 42 years, Starla Herbaugh. They were married on August 9, 1980, and to this union were born two daughters, Trina and Tiffany.
One thing about being in the Brown family – you were bound to be born with quite a bit of musical talent. And as a Brown male, you were destined to be a talented drummer. This held true for Bill, for sure. He played with several local bands, The silver Creek Band and Redstone to name a couple, for a number of years (wearing his top hat), playing various genres of music, but I believe his favorite was rock music. Bill also had an excellent ear for mixing music, and he was a sought-after sound board engineer for years, traveling with some of the bigger name bands in the region. He also spent several years mixing for groups during the Sturgis Rally, The Heritage Center in Spearfish, SD, Rude Awakening Band, and Zwarte` Band. (When he would start explaining some of the intricacies of just what it took to make all this electronic stuff work, I know my eyes would glaze over – I didn’t understand any of it!) For many years following the death of his brother, Tom, Bill was instrumental in organizing the annual Thumper’s Jam. It was a celebration of Tom’s life and love of music, and many area musicians joined in the celebration as well. The funds raised at the Jam were used to provide music camp scholarships to young musicians. He also gifted drum sets to young aspiring drummers.
He worked for Steve Jeffords at the Kadoka Standard, and he was an excellent mechanic, much as his Grandpa Leggett had been. However, he got tired of the grease. He also worked for a time at Scotchman Industries.
One of Bill’s true gifts was the gift of friendship. He truly cared about others, and he would help in whatever way he could. He was also very community minded, donating his talents for providing sound services for various events in the school and community as well as his church. (His father Joe also provided sound systems and announcing for the area – must be a genetic thing.)
Another of Bill’s gifts was his cooking ability. His wife Starla is an excellent cook, as well. Bill’s seafood boils were epic, and his soups and stews were requested often. He and Starla had a knack for making salsa, and it was delicious!
Survivors include his wife Starla of Kadoka; three daughters Trina (Bryan Buxcel) Brown and Tiffany Brown, all of Kadoka, and Gena (Troy) Heinert of Mission; five grandchildren Le'Anna, Venessa, and Madison, and T.J. and Harold Heinert; two great-granddaughters Naomi and Harper; four siblings Leanne (Randy) Neuhauser of Midland, Joe (Lynn) Brown of Rapid City, Tish Niickelson of Gillette, Wyoming, and Ellie (Wyatt White Horse) Bettelyoun of Martin; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his father Joe Brown on May 24, 1986, his mother Letoy on February 14, 2020; his brother Tom Brown; and brother-in-law Rick Bettelyoun.
Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, September 29, at the Kadoka City Auditorium, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m.
A celebration of life service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 30, at the Auditorium, with Pastor Jesse Taylor officiating.
Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 191 Kadoka, SD 57543.
VISITATION
Thursday, September 29, 2022 - 5-7 p.m.
Kadoka City Auditorium
Kadoka, South Dakota
PRAYER SERVICE
Thursday, September 29, 2022 - 7 p.m.
Kadoka City Auditorium
Kadoka, South Dakota
FUNERAL SERVICE
Friday, September 30, 2022 - 11:00 a.m.
Kadoka City Auditorium, Kadoka, SD
CLERGY
Pastor Jesse Taylor
MUSIC
Kadoka Bible Church Worship Team
"Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone"
"On Eagles Wings"
Molly Taylor - Kate McKeehan
"Remember Me"
USHERS
John Bauman - Larry Bauman
Scott Bauman - Frank Bauman
PALLBEARERS
Dan Smiley - Stuart Letellier - Bob Key
Albert Key - Shane Garry - Lonny Johnston
Cory Bremmon - Mike Coller
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All other Family and Friends