Richard L. Brown

Richard Lee Brown, 83, of Fort Wayne passed away peacefully on March 10, 2019 at Lutheran Life Villages. He was born on September 17, 1935 in Oakwood, Ohio to Ellis Ford and Anna Florence (Schafer) Brown; they are deceased. A brother, Charles, is also deceased. A sister Betty (Raymond) Dever, and sister-in-law Barbara Brown survives. He was married to Gloria Grace Harding on September 29, 1956. They were married for 61 years. She preceded him in death in 2018. Richard graduated from Central High School in 1953, and he earned an associate degree in CAD/Drafting Technology from Ivy Tech in 1991. Richard retired from Zollner Corp, and while working there he was also employed at Rogers Markets, and later at Scott’s Foods. After his retirement he was employed at Bentz Trucking, Enterprise Leasing, Kelley Automotive Group, worked as a bartender, and at several of the funeral homes in Fort Wayne. He was a long-time member of St. John Lutheran Church, where he served as Sunday School Superintendent, Chairman of the Congregation, was a Deacon, Trustee, member of the choir, and quietly served in the background in many areas of the church. He was also a long-term church representative to Wernle Youth and Family Treatment Center, Richmond, IN. He is leaving behind many hand-crafted pieces of furniture and signs at church that will be used for many years to come and will be permanent reminders of his presence in the lives of those who knew him. He also volunteered at Lutheran Hospital. He enjoyed sports, including fishing, bowling, golfing, and coaching his daughters’ grade school basketball teams. However, his passion was helping kids learn sportsmanship by refereeing many youth basketball and baseball games, being known for his “bow and arrow” strike out stance. He loved to travel with his wife and family, visiting many states by car, plane and ship.

He was a craftsman, building an addition on the family home that was well-used and where many family memories were made. His greatest joy was building furniture; cradles for his grandchildren, quilt racks, trash and potato/onion bins, shelves, shot glass racks, laptop desks, business card holders, all lasting memories of him that will be enjoyed for generations. He enjoyed taking care of his home and he loved his family. He is survived by his children, Susan and Gary Predmore, Jennifer and Greg Fowler, and Joel and Jen Brown. Grandchildren and great grandchildren, Shannon and Jesse Lesher, Jacen and Logan, Rick and Naomi Appel and Vaughn, Erica and Ryan Roberts and Peyton, Anna Riggins, Austin Brown, Rylie and Connor Brown. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at 11:00 a.m., at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home, 6424 Winchester Road, Ft. Wayne, with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m.. Interment for Richard and Gloria will follow at St. John Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Wernle Youth and Family Treatment Center, Richmond, IN.