Willard Brown Jr.

Willard graduated in 1960 from the Perry County Training School in Uniontown, Alabama and began his employment with Kresge Warehouse. He began working part-time as a driver with Fort Wayne Community Schools, which became full-time when Kresge's offices moved to Illinois. Willard as well worked part-time for 10 years at Meijer Food Stores before his retirement.

In his personal life, Willard was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and enjoyed spending time outdoors as an avid fisherman and hunter.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Priscilla Turner-Brown of Fort Wayne, IN; children, Vivian S. Brown (Geni Woods) of Indianapolis, IN, Victor R. Brown of Fort Wayne, IN, Willard A. Brown of Indianapolis, IN; his grandchildren, Trinity, Kennadi, Aaron, Marcus and Victorion; great-granddaughter, Amarah; his sisters, Lynette Williams of Fort Wayne, IN, Jennifer (Calvin) Conner of Uniontown, AL; brother-in-laws, Willie J. Olds of Richmond, VA, Raymond (Julia) Turner of Lithonia, GA, Ted Starks of Fort Wayne, IN, and Robert (Mary) Turner of Fort Wayne, IN; and aunts, Roberta Jackson and Eve Smith both of Indianapolis, IN.

Willard was preceded in death by his parents, Otis Smith and Thelma Brown; grandmother, Sadie Brown; sisters, Jonnie Starks, Dorothy Rookwood, Dr. Patricia Turner-Olds, and Dennis Leon Stephens; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Visitation will be held at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes - Lakeside Park, located at 1140 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46805, on February 20, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm.

The funeral service will follow at the same location starting at 1:30 pm on February 20, 2026.

For Every Burden

For every burden that we bear,for every sorrow, every care, there’s a reason.

For every grief that bows the head, for every teardrop that is shed,there’s a reason.

For every hurt, for every plight, for every lonely pain-racked night, there’s a reason.

But if we trust God, as we should,all must work out for our good. He knows the reason.