Mark Lee Brown, 56, died on Tuesday September 22, 2015 in Columbia, Missouri at the home of his daughter Beth Butcher and son-in-law Clayton Butcher.Born January 20, 1959 in Downey, California to parents Paul and Betty Brown, Mark lived the first half of his life in the South Bay area of Southern California. He graduated from Lawndale High School in 1977 and briefly attended college at Long Beach State before pursuing a career in the Postal Service, first in California and later in Missouri where he retired as the Postmaster of Republic after 35 years of loyal service.Outside of the Post Office, Mark might best be described as an avid appreciator of all things fine, from tea, to wine, to candy, food, movies, music and books. He had an appetite for adventure and travel, and loved exploring new places thoroughly.He was actively involved at the Springfield Little Theatre for over 20 years, working backstage or running sound on dozens of shows, which he recalled often as some of his fondest memories. He was recently presented with a prestigious award for his years of faithful service in the theater. If you would like to honor his memory, please consider making a donation to the Springfield Little Theatre in his name. You can do this by calling the theater or visiting their website. Mark was a member of First Baptist Church in Willard.Mark is survived by his girlfriend Stacy Stubblefield; two children James Brown and Beth Butcher; one step-daughter; Stephanie Albao, four grandchildren Miles, Jasper, Callie and one on the way; brother Tim and sister Paula, nieces Megan and Hannah, nephews Chris and Zack, and many, many friends.Visitation for Mark will be Sunday, September 27, 2015, 6:00-8:00pm, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North. Funeral service will be Monday, September 28, 2015, 11:00am, at the First Baptist Church in Willard, Missouri. Interment will follow in Rock Prairie Cemetery in Halltown.