Gary Allen Brown, age 84, of Ada, was welcomed into the arms of his Savior and Lord Jesus Christ on April 25, 2023, at Lima Memorial Health System, surrounded by his family.
He was born on December 15, 1938, at home in Ada, Ohio to the late Russel Allen “Bud” and Ruth Marie (Klingler) Brown. On May 27, 1961, Gary married Marsha Staley, his wife of 62 years and she survives in Ada.
Gary graduated from Ada High School in 1956, Bluffton College in 1961 and received his Master’s in Teaching from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1972. He taught high school science for 35 years –Physics, Chemistry, Advanced Biology, and Environmental Biology (for which he developed his own course of study). He taught high school for one year at Bradford, Ohio, one year at Cory Rawson, Ohio and the rest at Bluffton, Ohio where he was affectionately known as “Doc.” He coached football for Bluffton High School for 10 years.
He was a member of the Ada High School Undefeated Football Team of 1955. He enlisted in the Ohio Army National Guard and served at Fort Knox, KY and Fort Ord, CA. He was a member of St. Paul’s Church at Ada where he taught Sunday School for over 60 years; he also taught three catechism classes.
Gary was fascinated with applying science in practical ways to solve everyday problems. He loved to help people and repair machinery of any kind. Although he placed great value on hard work, he often stated that none of us can make it to heaven by doing good works but only by trusting in Jesus’ death on the cross.
Also surviving are his twin daughters: Timbre (Robb) Hissong, Amber (John) Flynn; son, Lance (Fiancé Jill Latterner) Brown; brother, Bruce (Kathy) Brown; grandchildren: Beth (Tres) Whitacre, Christian (Carla) Brown, Corwyn Brown, Rylan Hissong, Carson Hissong, and Brenna Hissong; eight great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; and cousins: Rex (Dee) Klingler, Brad (Erin) Klinger, Craig (Theresa) Crouse, and Vicki (David) Nichols.
Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 1, 2023, at Hanson-Neely-Allison Funeral & Cremation Services, Ada with Pastor John Nagel officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Ada.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 1at Hanson-Neely-Allison Funeral & Cremation Services, Ada.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul United Church of Christ, P.O. Box 28, Ada, Ohio 45810.
Condolences can be expressed at www.hansonneelyallison.com/
