William Paul Brown (Bill Brown), 74, of New Meadows, passed away peacefully on April 17 at his daughter’s home, surrounded by family.
Born on June 4, 1951, in Weiser, Idaho, to William Early Brown and Inez Mary Brown, Bill devoted his life to his family, his hometown of New Meadows, ID, and serving others. A proud United States Army veteran, he served during the Vietnam War as a communications officer in Korea, where he made lifelong friends who remained important to him throughout his life.
Bill returned to New Meadows and built a life marked by hard work, service, and deep commitment to his community. He built, owned, and operated Brown’s Mountain Market for 25 years, a longtime gathering place in the heart of town. He served on the school board, coached basketball, supported countless school and community events, and later dedicated 20 years to public service as a county commissioner. He also served as chairman of the Southwest District Health Board, where he played an important role in creating the GEM Plan, helping provide affordable healthcare coverage for local employees.
Bill was a man who believed in showing up—for his family, his work, and his community. He loved skiing, hunting, fishing, golfing, trap shooting, and riding ATVs, and he shared that love of life with those around him. His impact on New Meadows and the people who knew him will not be forgotten.
He is survived by his wife, Donna; his sister Mary; his children, Willy, Ricky, Kala, and Jaymee; his grandchildren, Macky, Talon, Bodie, Liberty, Levi, Asher, Danny, and Cole; and his great-grandchildren, identical triplets Benton, Theodore, and Samuel.
A funeral service will be held on May 2 at 11:00 a.m. at the Meadows Valley School Gym, followed by a procession to the burial site. A celebration of life and potluck luncheon will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the New Meadows Community Center.
Bill will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, and community.
