Wilfred "Gerry" Gerald Brown, Jr, age 88, of Mountain View, Missouri, peacefully passed away at home on February 27, 2023. Gerry was born to Wilfred Gerald Brown and Patricia (Parker) Brown on May 4, 1934, in Saint Louis, Missouri.

Gerry joined the Air Force at age 17 and served his country for over a decade, including during the Korean War. He and his wife, Vivian (Orchard) Brown, were married for many years and had a family of five children. Gerry and Vivian moved to Mountain View and started the Mountain View Auto Parts store, eventually expanding the business to three stores, including a delivery truck serving the surrounding area. During this time, Gerry also helped establish the Mountain View Airport, which is an example of his many contributions to the community.

He had an adventurous spirit and loved to stay busy. Whether flying an airplane, driving a car, or riding a motorcycle, Gerry liked to go fast.

He engaged in several professions and owned multiple businesses. He was a farmer, a truck driver, and he eventually opened the largest small-engine repair shop in the tri-state area, Brown's Small Engines. Brown's Lawn and Garden is still a thriving business owned and operated by his family.

Between his time in the service and driving a truck, he visited all 50 states and several countries.

Gerry embraced life with excitement and confidence and had a fierce love for his family. He was an amazing influence and mentor to many. His passion for life and infectious spirit, left an impression on everyone he ever met. His genuine, sincere nature could charm and surprise at the same time. He had a passion for politics, people, and a belt buckle collection that would make any cowboy blush. Gerry was one of a kind and a true legacy. His fighting spirit was contagious, and he was loved by so many. That's right!!

After the loss of his wife, Vivian, and during retirement, he met his second wife, Geraldine Gossett, who passed away last year. He is survived by his five children, Terry Orchard (Sheila), Jerry Orchard (Patty), Marsha Cafourek, Debbie McClendon (Andy), and Laura Brown (Tim); his sisters, Emily Brown, Ruth Smith, Gina Ryterski (Terry), and Penny Brown; his grandchildren, Amber Belasco (Tino), Autumn McClendon-Long (Alec), Mikael Orchard (Terri), Jessamyn Orchard (Jene'), Adriane Castaneda (Mark), and Matthew Orchard (Whitney); and several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and Geraldine's daughters, Kathy, Rhonda, and Cheryl.

Visitation will be held in his honor from 6-8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 3, 2023, at Yarber Mortuary, Mountain View, Missouri. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com