Mr. Gaylon Brown, a resident of Nixa, Missouri, formerly of Wynne, departed this life on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, at Cox Medical Center South in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 77. He was born in Wynne on Feb. 18, 1949, the son of Claude Odell and Linda Mae (Smith) Brown.
Gaylon was a 1967 graduate of Wynne High School. He continued his education at Arkansas State University and Memphis State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. In 1969, Gaylon enlisted in the United States Air Force. He proudly served in Vietnam and was honorably discharged in 1972 with the rank of sergeant.
Following his education and military service, Gaylon began a career with the Federal Aviation Administration as an electronic technician. He spent many years maintaining the communication systems that allowed air traffic controllers and pilots to remain connected. His work behind the scenes played an important role in keeping those systems, and ultimately the skies above us, safe.
Gaylon grew up attending Fair Oaks Baptist Church and was of the Christian faith. He was a devoted family man who loved his family deeply and took tremendous pride in their accomplishments. He was known for his quick wit, endless curiosity, honesty, and ability to turn even the most ordinary day into an unforgettable story. Gaylon was never short on questions, stories, or opinions, and those who knew him knew there was rarely a dull moment when he was around.
He had a wide range of interests and was always eager to learn something new. He loved gardening, history, electronics, Razorback sports, politics, ham radio, and beekeeping. He was a member of Nixa Bees and took great pride in caring for his bees. He also had a green thumb when it came to both vegetables and flowers and enjoyed tending his garden and caring for the chickens alongside his daughter, Gayla. He especially enjoyed working alongside his son-in-law, Chris, discussing ideas and figuring out projects together.
Gaylon followed current events and political matters closely and held his conservative values dear. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures, from watching the Razorbacks and tending his garden to working on projects, keeping his favorite snacks close by, and, most importantly, spending time with the people he loved.
Above all, Gaylon will be remembered for the love he had for his family, the laughter he brought into their lives, his inquisitive nature, and the countless memories he leaves behind for those who knew and loved him.
Gaylon was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers-in-law, Calvin Vanaman and Richard Feltus; a niece and nephew, Bliss May and Chip Vanaman; and a great-niece, April Biggs.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Gayla and Chris Holbrook of Nixa, Missouri; two sisters, Glenda Vanaman of Paragould and Geraldene Feltus of Germantown, Tennessee; two grandchildren, Caleb and Mary-Kate Holbrook; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, in the Thompson-Wilson Funeral Home Chapel in Wynne with Bro. Dean Holbrook officiating. Committal services with military honors will follow in Lewis Cemetery near Hickory Ridge.
Friends may visit at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until service time.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Aaron Barchenger, Kevin Allen, David Harris, Kevin Holbrook, Ben Roder, Wesley Smith, and Caleb Holbrook. Honorary pallbearers are Ron King and Steve Mays.
Memorial contributions may be made to the families of Savvy Hink or Mary Floyd to assist with their needs during their battles with cancer. Information regarding the fundraisers will be provided as it becomes available.
Arrangements by Thompson-Wilson Funeral Home of Wynne.
