William "Bill" Daniel Brown, 83, of Helen, MD, died August 25, 2012 at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. Born August 2, 1929 in Dearborn, Michigan, he was the son of Harold Glenn Brown and Florence Evelyn Voorhies Brown.

Bill first joined the U.S. Army when he was 15 years old because "it is what you were supposed to do". When the army found out he was underage they sent him home. He immediately joined again and returned to serve in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He received a Bronze Star along with several other awards for his service. With over 20 years of service, Bill retired at the rank of Master Sergeant.

Between enlistments, Bill served with the Secret Service during the administrations of Presidents Kennedy and Johnson and was part of the White House Communications team. He also worked for a short time with the U.S. Marshall's service. After retirement from the Army, Bill finished his career serving on the U.S. Capitol Police Force.

Bill had five children: William "Michael", Kathleen "Kat", Patrick, James, and Anthony "Tony". Bill married his second wife, Barbara, "Sam", on December 20, 1976. After his retirement in 1978, they moved to Prospect, Virginia, to care for her mother. While living in Prospect, they tended a garden, growing and canning their own fruits and vegetables. They visited regularly with friends and neighbors and were active members of the Farmville Moose Lodge. In 1990, Bill and his wife moved to Helen, MD to live with her son F. Dennis Connelly and his family. They enjoyed being close to their grandchildren, Dennis and Brian Connelly. Bill particularly enjoyed their great-grandchildren, James, Joseph, Jordan, Brandon, Johnathan, and Emily.

Mr. Brown was predeceased by his wife, Barbara Dean Brown, in 2005; sons, Patrick G. Brown, and Anthony C. Brown; and brother, James Brown.

He is survived by his son, William M. Brown (Catherine) of Virginia Beach; daughter, Kathleen Antonelli of Tucson, AZ; grandson William D. Brown of Sunnyvale, CA; and stepson, F. Dennis Connelly (Carol) and the Connelly grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary's, PO Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Arrangements are being handled by Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home, P.A., 30195 Three Notch Rd., Charlotte Hall, MD.