Judge William “Bill” Haskell Brown died peacefully on March 17, 2023. He is survived by his daughter, Laurie Brown Besselman, and her husband, Charles P. Besselman; his grandsons, Charles P. Besselman, Jr., William Brown Besselman, and Benjamin M. R. Besselman; his sister, Mary Kay Martin, and brother-in-law, Bill Martin, of Muskogee, Oklahoma; his sisters-in-law, Joan J. Adcock of Coushatta, Louisiana; Geraldine E. Brown of Cabot, Arkansas; and his much loved nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann Adcock Brown; his parents, Haskell Young Brown and Cecile Moore Brown; his brothers, Bobby G. Brown and Richard L. Brown; his in-laws, Ray G. Adcock and Helen L. Adcock; his sister-in-law, Almeta M. Brown; and his brother-in-law, Joseph W. Adcock.
Born in Wagoner, Oklahoma, on January 30, 1935, Bill played high school football for the Wagoner Bulldogs and earned a scholarship to Oklahoma University. A member of the 1955 and 1956 National Championship teams, “#45” enjoyed a 47-game win streak prior to playing for the Canadian Eskimos. A nasty knee injury led to Bill joining Coach Paul Dietzel’s coaching staff in 1957. While attending LSU Law School, Bill taught business math and coached football at Catholic High School. It was during that time he met and fell head over heels for Mary Ann Adcock. Bill was commissioned a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, graduated from Artillery and Paratrooper schools, and served on active and reserve duty in the Oklahoma National Guard, U.S. Army Reserve, and Louisiana Special Forces from 1958 to 1964. A distinguished law career with Howell & Brown preceded his judicial election to the 19th JDC where he served from 1979 to 1996. After leaving the bench, he served as Gaming Control Officer from 1996 to 2011. With awards too numerous to list, Bill was proudest of his lifetime status in the Methodist Men’s Club, his membership in the Hall of Honor of the LSU Cadets of the Ole War Skull, and with his work as Past Grand Master of the state of Louisiana and a member of St. James Lodge No. 47, F&AM. A man of immovable faith, Bill cherished his church, Ingleside Methodist, and its community. Bill attended the first Fellowship of Christian Athletes Convention in Estes Park, Colorado, in the summer of 1956 – those Sooner friendships remained a faithful force throughout his life. The Judge’s quick wit and firm handshake accompanied him everywhere. While he relished striking fear in even the most seasoned litigator, it was his passion for helping others that brought him the greatest joy. He looked forward to his weekly tennis matches at Bocage, neighborhood runs with pals, and fishing (occasionally even catching some). He had great pride in his daughter, Laurie (or “Bullet” as he affectionately referred to her), and his young grandsons, Brown and Ben, instilling in them the same commitment to help others encouraging them to find one more task each day to improve someone else’s life.
The family would like to thank “Team Judge,” Lola, Linda, Lynette, Michelle, and Nancy; the community of Magnolia Brook with their wonderful helpers and special friend, Eric; Hospice of Baton Rouge, The Butterfly Wing; and many friends and family for their steadfast compassion and complete devotion. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to Ingleside Methodist Church, 4264 Capital Heights, Baton Rouge, LA, 70806, or to St. James Lodge #47, 315 Convention Street, Baton Rouge, LA, 70801, or Hospice of Baton Rouge, 3600 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70806. There will be a private burial.
VIA: https://obits.theadvocate.com/us/obituaries/theadvocate/name/william-brown-obituary?id=51462349
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