Mr. Florian Thomas Browne

March 24, 1954 - January 20, 2019

Mr. Florian Thomas “Tom” Browne, a resident of Willow Springs, passed away Sunday evening, January 20, 2019, in West Plains, MO. Born March 24, 1954, to Clarence Eugene and Matilda Inez (Stranghorner) Browne in West Plains, he was 64 years old. Florian grew up in Willow Springs and attended Willow Springs Schools. He went on to receive his associate degree from Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas. In 1971 he was married to Pat Stringer who brought her two young sons into the union. Florian took great pride helping raise Jason & Clifton Koehler and loved them as his own. To this union, one daughter was born, Florinda Vance “Missy” Reed; she became the light of his life. He proudly served his country in the U. S. Army at Ft. Benning, GA, from 1974 to 1977. While in the Army, he served as a heavy equipment operator. He received the National Defense Service Medal, the Sharpshooter (M-1) and Sharpshooter (Hand Grenade) awards, and 1 Service Stripe. After the military, Florian was employed in various occupations. As a landscaper, he worked for his beloved friend Frances Holloway at the green house in Willow Springs. For 20 years, he was a salesman at Furniture Factory Outlet, opening a store in Lebanon, MO. Florian, or “Tom,” developed lasting friendships, and those friends (Danny Perkins, Clinton Ferguson, and Russ Hoisington, to name a few) became his best buddies with whom he loved spending time. His greatest joy was being outdoors, fishing, hunting, and photographing natural settings. One of his proudest moments was when he killed a large black bear on a fishing trip to Canada. In his later years, Tom focused on being a father and grandfather and was dearly loved by his family. He was so proud to reconnect with his son Chris after 30 years of separation. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Tom is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, George Thomas Browne. He is survived by his daughter, Florinda “Missy” Reed of Willow Springs; his son, Christopher Dewey of Wichita, KS; two stepsons, Jason Koehler and Clifton Koehler of Oceanside, CA; his sister, Connie Browne of Willow Springs; his brother, Ted Browne and his wife, Carline of Cabool; and his grandsons, Riley Thomas Reed, Levi David Dewey, and Carter Jay Dewey. Further surviving are numerous loved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation for Mr. Browne will be held Thursday, January 24, 2019, from 6 PM to 8 PM at Willow Funeral Home, LLC. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home, LLC. On-line condolences may be left at www.willowspringsfuneralhome.com