William C. “Bill” Browne, 63, of Westlake, La. passed away Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025 in the comfort of his home following a brief illness. 

Bill was a born Jan. 12, 1963 in Massachusetts to Charles Browne and Merle Hebert Browne.  He was a graduate of  Iowa High School and Sowela Technical Community College where he obtained an associate degree in Instrumentation Technology.  He began his career as an Instrumentation Technician at St. Patrick’s Hospital and advanced to a position with West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital.  He later accepted a position with the City of Lake Charles where he retired with seventeen years of service.  

Bill had a special place in his heart for helping others.  He volunteered countless hours to help with  fundraising projects for the Calcasieu Women’s Shelter.  He had great respect for the elderly, especially those he came to love as friends at the Senior Center in Westlake where he volunteered monthly to provide huge luncheons.   His soft spot was as a supporter of the Hobo Hotel, where he also volunteered lots of time, often offered to foster kittens that he most often couldn’t let go of and adopted as his own.  He was an avid Astros baseball fan and enjoyed going to as many games as he could. He also enjoyed racing and was former President of the Sports Car Club of America.  Bill loved entertaining! During his younger years, hosted “Wild Bill” gatherings of family and friends for games, food, drinks and good times, having tons of fun as the house Blackjack dealer and bartender!

Bill will be remembered for his ability to take things apart, see how they worked and put them back together again.  If he couldn’t fix something, it couldn’t be fixed!  He will be most remembered for his kind heart, gentle soul, and generous nature.  He was truly a man you wanted as your friend.   

His passing leaves a void in the hearts of many friends and his family.  He leaves to honor his memory his uncle, James “Jimmy” Hebert; brother-in-law, Chris Burke, and cousins, Lisa Clawson (Bryan), Russell Hebert (Lauren) and Darryl Hebert (Missie).

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Elaine Browne and long-time sweetheart, Susan Denise Hicks.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to his favorite charities, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Calcasieu Women’s Shelter.

A Memorial Celebration honoring Bill’s Life will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 29, 2025, Astros Opening weekend, at the Managan Center, 1221 Sampson St, Westlake, La.

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneral home.net.