Morris L. Brown

Morris Lee “Brownie” Brown, 91, of Sedalia, passed away Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at his home.

He was born October 22, 1933, in New Castle, IN, a son of Lee and Jessie (Smith) Brown. On September 12, 1954, in Sedalia, he married Jacqueline J. “Jody” (Bingaman) Brown, and together they raised three daughters: Bonita, Tina and Holly.

Morris grew up in New Castle, where he was born, raised, and educated. He enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving as a crew chief on a B-47. In 1953, he was stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base. At the time, the planes had not yet arrived, so he was temporarily assigned to the base fire department, working 24-hour shifts with 48 hours off. With previous grocery experience, he used his free days to work at W.E. Bingaman’s grocery store in Sedalia, which had recently opened.

Starting as a part-time stocker and check-out clerk, Morris quickly proved himself. When the company opened its second store on Sedalia’s east side in 1954, he was named manager. Over the years, Bingaman’s grew from a single store to an enterprise that included Bing’s Supermarket, Price Chopper, Food-4-Less, Cash Saver stores, as well as Best Western Motor Inn, Country Mall, State Fair Shopping Center, and other real estate holdings. His dedication and strong work ethic earned him promotion to vice president of WEB & Sons, Inc., working alongside company president Vernon Bingaman.

Outside of work, Morris had a lifelong passion for horses. He owned and raced standardbred horses, training them on his own 1/3-mile track at home. He raced successfully, breaking records and winning numerous trophies.

Survivors include two daughters, Bonita “Bonnie” Anderson (Keith), of Bates City, and Holly Lenz (Randy), of Boonville; a son-in-law, Jeff Logan, of Coffeyville, KS; six grandchildren, Jadee Logan, Jesse Logan, Janel Warmington, Riley Anderson, Mitchel Lenz and Rachel Lenz; and eight great-grandchildren, Jayden, Taylor, Wade, James, Atticus, Leena, Julia and Evie.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Tina Logan; and six siblings, Raymond Brown, Bernetha Sayers, Laura Abbott, Mary Chard, Don Brown and Wilma Stephens.

Visitation will be from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm, Friday, August 22, 2025, at Heckart Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 12:30 pm with Rev. Dr. Chad McMullin officiating.

Pallbearers will be Riley Anderson, Jesse Logan, Mitchel Lenz, Russell Holsten, Jimmy Martin and Tommy Kindle. Honorary pallbearers will be Dale Shull, Bill Turner and Brownie’s caregivers.

Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery with full military honors at graveside.

The family suggests memorial contributions to First Christian Church or the Boys & Girls Club of West Central Missouri in care of Heckart Funeral Home.