Cleon Browning, the son of Faye Wright, was born July 17, 1940, in Souder, and passed away Jan. 5, 2021, at his home in Ozark, surrounded by loved ones. He was 80 years, 5 months and 21 days of age. Cleon graduated from Mountain Grove High School with the Class of 1959. He married Evelyn Sue Sellars on Oct. 29, 1960.
The family moved to Kansas City, then Webb City, and back to Mountain Grove before settling in Ozark where they lived until his passing. Cleon gave his life to Jesus in 1972 at Southside Baptist Church in Mountain Grove. He was a member of The Way Community Church of Ozark at the time of his passing. Cleon retired from Dayco and then spent the rest of his time fishing on Bull Shoals Lake. He also loved hunting and bluegrass music. His biggest worry recently was that Ray and Bob Newberry had already caught all the fish in heaven. He was hoping they would leave some for him. We’re all sure they did.
Cleon was preceded in death by his mother, Faye Wright; one daughter, Carol Sue; one brother, Alphie Wright; his grandparents, Ollie and Minnie Browning; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frank and Vera Sellars.
He is survived by his wife, Evelyn, of their home in Ozark; one daughter, Frankie Browning, also of Ozark; his grandson, Tyler Andrews, of Denver, Colo.; his granddaughter, Lydia Eden Andrews, of Fair Grov; one brother, Ralph Wright and his wife, Joyce, of Chanute, Kan.; four sisters-in-law that were dear to his heart, Jeanie Edwards. of Iowa; Shirley Creed. of Mountain Grove; Carolyn Newberry. of Mountain Grove; and Nolan and Jo Sellars. of Clinton; and other relatives and friends who will greatly miss him. Funeral service for Cleon Browning was held Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home with Pastor Judy Talbert and Pastor Buddy Dockum officiating.
Song selections were “How Great Thou Art,” “Far Side Banks Of Jordan” and “Go Rest High On That Mountain” with Christie Dockum serving as musician. Darrell Newberry, Garrett Newberry, Hayden Newberry, Tyler Andrews, Ralph James Wright and Shane Coffman served as pallbearers. Nolan Sellars, Clarence Andrews, and Lydia Andrews served as honorary pallbearers. Burial was in Denlow Cemetery under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove. Memorial contributions may be made to Denlow Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.
