William Kingman Browne, 90, of Prairie Village, KS died at home on October 27, 2016. Bill was born October 13, 1926 in Norwich, NY, the son of Grace (“Sis”) and Perry Browne. He grew up in Norwich and went on to marry Jean Irene Smith, daughter of Gertrude and Edwin P. Smith, of Sherburne, NY, on February 7, 1948.
From Nov 1944 until Sep 1946 Bill served in Europe as a Sergeant in the Army. Following his stint in the service he attended Cornell University graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree on Jan 13, 1952.
During the middle part of his life Bill’s cherished pastimes were anything involving the outdoors. As members of the Ozark Wilderness Waterways Club, he and Jean loved to canoe the rivers of Missouri and Arkansas and camp along their banks. Over the years Arizona became one of his favorite places to pursue his other hobbies - hiking, backpacking, fly-fishing and exploring. He and his sons backpacked the Grand Canyon and numerous other Arizona landmarks.
Following a long, successful career in Personnel and Labor Relations for Owens Corning Fiberglas, Bill took a class in wood carving and discovered what would occupy the majority of his time for the remainder of his life. Most days he could be found in his workshop listening to his meticulously organized collection of western swing, jazz and big band music and creating beautiful carvings. It quickly became obvious to all who saw his work that he had a true gift. His artistry covered countless themes over the years; he carved bears, golfers, Santas, cowboys and skiers, just to name a few, all of them amazing in their detail and facial expressiveness. Typical of his generous nature, Bill donated much of his work to charitable organizations who were able to raise money by selling it.
Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Jean, of the home; daughter, Linda McCoy (Tom) of Lawrence, KS; son, Steve Browne of Pittsburg, KS; son, Jeff Browne (Cappy Olomon) of Fraser, CO; granddaughter Aimee Polson (Bret Dillingham) of Lawrence, KS; grandson Will Browne of Kansas City, MO; granddaughter Emily Garson (Adam) of San Diego, CA; granddaughter Lindsey Clancey (Eric) of Prairie Village, KS; Halina Bini (Kenny) of Lawrence, KS; Samantha Gallegos (Adam) of Fort Collins, CO and eight great-grandchildren along with numerous nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Norwich, NY.
Ever the organized planner, Bill requested that in the event of his passing, well-wishers donate in his name to their favorite charity. His family requests that you hug your loved ones. If you are one of the lucky owners of a Bill Browne carving, set it out on Thanksgiving and pour yourself a drink in his honor.