Willard Brown Jr.

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