Richard Nelson Brown

March 17, 1959 – July 27, 2026

Richard Nelson Brown, 67, of Webb City, Missouri, passed away on July 27, 2026. Known to friends and fellow police officers early in his career as “Teddy Bear,” Richard was born on March 17, 1959, in Webb City, MO. During his life, he also spent time living in Texas, Oklahoma, and other parts of Missouri, but he always felt a deep connection to his hometown of Webb City, which remained close to his heart throughout his life.

Richard dedicated much of his career to law enforcement, serving with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department, the Sedalia Police Department, and the Webb City Police Department from 1984 until 1999. In the early 2020s, he returned to Webb City, serving as a dispatcher.

Richard was raised with a strong Christian foundation that stayed with him throughout his life. He was known for his big heart and his habit of putting others before himself. He was an avid sports fan, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs and the St. Louis Cardinals.

Richard is survived by his five children: Gina Hardy, Nathan Brown, and Jessica Rogers, from his first marriage, and Rachel Hale and Brittany Brown, whom he adopted during his second marriage. He was also blessed with 14 grandchildren, who brought him great joy. He is further survived by his sister, Janet Coe.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Riley and Carolyn Brown; his siblings, Susan Yeager and Steven Brown; and his granddaughter, Sydni Brown.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Racine Christian Church in Racine, MO.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park of Joplin, MO