Billy Joe Browning, 75, of rural Mattoon, Illinois passed away peacefully Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at Mattoon Health Care surrounded by his loving family. He was born September 12, 1951 in Flora, Illinois the son of Vernon and Doris (Dobbs) Browning. He married Shirley Krietemeyer on October 22, 1971 in Mattoon, Illinois. He was a hardworking man. He worked for Illinois Central Railroad, Inland Supply Company, and Sturdi-Built Corporation. Billy enjoyed restoring cars, camping, trap shooting, hunting, and horseback riding. Also, he enjoyed watching his granddaughters when they were playing sports, participating in pageants and in parades. Billy was a Master Mason and a volunteer firefighter for the Wabash Fire Protection District.
Billy is survived by his wife of 55 years Shirley; daughters, Angela “Angie” Haarman and Michelle (Kyle) Gill; grandchildren, Peyton Gill, Chloe Haarman, Avery Gill, and Emma Jo Haarman; brother, Bobby (Brenda) Browning; sisters-in-law, Linda (Jim) Levingston and Sandy McDowell; several nieces and nephews.
Billy was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Emmit Haarman; parents in law, Louis and Mary Jane Krietemeyer; brother-in-law, Don Krietemeyer and several aunts and uncles.
In lieu of flowers donations are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association at ALZ.org.
Memorial visitation will be held Thursday, November 5, 2026 from 6-8pm at the Swengel- O’Dell Funeral Home in Neoga, Illinois. A Life Celebration Service will be held Friday, November 6, 2026 at 11am at the funeral home. Burial will follow at the Neoga Memorial Cemetery.
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