Stanley Lee Brown, age 71, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home on January 7, 2026. He was born on October 14, 1954, in Washington, Missouri, to Clyde and Anna Mae (Creason) Brown and grew up in Carthage, Illinois.

A gifted athlete, Stanley excelled in all sports and earned All-State honors in basketball during high school, leading to scholarships at Judson College where he competed in both basketball and cross country. During his time at Judson, he also served as head coach of the women's college basketball team, reflecting his leadership, dedication, and lifelong love of the game. During his college years, Stanley was a summer camp manager at Lake Springfield Baptist Camp, where he formed many lifelong friendships that he treasured throughout his life.  Following Judson, Stanley attended Chicago Medical School, where he earned his EMT degree, and later graduated cum laude from Maryville University with a degree in Physical Therapy—setting the stage for a career that beautifully blended his brilliant mind with his deep passion for helping others. In the spring of 1990, Stanley and his family moved to Springfield, Missouri, where he enjoyed coaching his children's basketball teams and eventually opened his own private physical therapy practice. Through extensive continuing education and numerous certifications, he helped countless people find relief from pain and restore hope. Stanley will be remembered not only for his unique, God-given ability to do what often seemed impossible in healing the body, but also for his quick wit, quiet chuckle, warm spirit, and remarkable ability to make people smile—even in the midst of physical pain.

He married the love of his life, Carla Brown, in 2007 in Carthage, Illinois. Stanley enjoyed out-of-the-box thinking, reading and researching, mentoring fellow practitioners, fishing, watching sports, spending time at the lake house, and being with friends and family—especially his cherished granddaughters and delighting in their activities.
Stanley was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Anna Mae (Creason) Brown.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carla Brown of Springfield, Missouri; his daughter, Kayla (Jon) Brown of Springfield, Missouri, and his beloved granddaughters, Finlee and Krosbie Brown; his son, Joshua Brown of St. Louis, Missouri; his brother, Alan (Kimberly) Brown of Miles City, Montana; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members who rejoice in the hope of eternal life through Christ.

Visitation will be held Sunday, January 11, 2026 from 1:00 - 3:00 PM in Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home followed by funeral service at 3:00 PM.