Clyde Edward Browning

Ed Browning, 92, of Maryville, died peacefully at home October 8, 2026.

Ed was born December 4, 1933, in Syracuse, KS to Clyde and Laura Browning. He graduated from high school in Crawford, CO before moving with his family to their farm in Edina, MO. Ed met the love of his life, Sharon Stokes, when she came home after school with his sister for a skating party. They corresponded while Ed served in the Army at the end of the Korean War. When he returned home, he asked her to marry him on their first date. On June 23, 1957, Ed and Sharon were married...a marriage that lasted 65 years until Sharon’s passing in 2022.

Ed and Sharon spent their early years attending Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville, both earning their Masters’ degrees. Ed taught high school in Green City and Brookfield before a textbook salesperson recommended him to Northwest Missouri State University in 1961. He dedicated the next 39 years to teaching and investing in the students at Northwest. In 1972, Ed earned a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri – Columbia.

Ed’s greatest love was his family – being Dad to Ashley (Dave) Caster of Liberty, MO, and Steven Browning of Maryville – and Grandpa to Justin and Morgan Caster. He retired from Northwest in 2000, which allowed him to spend countless days with his grandchildren. Time that will be cherished forever.

In addition to Sharon and his parents, Ed was preceded in death by his siblings, Louise Woodward, Bob Browning, Mary Taylor, and Jim Browning.

A private memorial service and interment will be held at a later date. Cremation is under the direction of Bram Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left on Bram Funeral Home's Website.