Dale Brown

The Rev. Dale D. Brown

East Leroy

Age 86,  was born to Robert and Inez Brown on February 12, 1928 in Ingersoll Township, Midland County, and died November 14, 2014. He attended Laporte grade school, Midland High School, Vennard College, Central Michigan University and Garrett Seminary. Dale had two brothers, Bruce and Fred and a sister, Roberta who all preceded him in death. Dale and Esther married on August 11, 1951, in East Tawas, Michigan. They had a baby son, Robert William, born on April 27, 1954, who died the same day. Dale served as pastor for several churches; Stanwood Charge, Edmore, Comstock, Evart, Grandville, St. Joseph and Battle Creek First United Methodist Church. He retired in July 1993 after serving 42 years. His work didn't stop there! He continued to teach in Sunday School, First Church Connection and their Adventure Group. He was a very visionary person and could see how things could be accomplished! In retirement, Dale used his carpentry and architectural drawing skills, drawing and building their house, helping Ken build his house, working on numerous projects at Wesley Woods United Methodist Camp, drawing plans for possible additions to First United Methodist Church and selling the Building Committee on the way it could be accomplished, and in addition he was making beautiful furniture for his home and for Kathy, Ken, Barb and their families. One of Dale's visionary projects was to rebuild the chancel of First United Methodist Church. The builders working on the new addition gave them a figure for about $38,000 to do the job. Dale told them that he and a crew from their church could do it for $4,000-and they did it for $3,800!!! Dale loved building, building the Kingdom and work of the Lord, as well as being able to build structures. He did both kinds of building in each of his churches. He had a wonderful vision of the work that could be accomplished in the United Methodist Churches in Battle Creek.

Surviving are his wife Esther, his daughter Kathy, who is pastor at Plainwell United Methodist Church, his son, Ken, who is Director at the Wesley Woods United Methodist Camp and Ken's wife Barbara, three grandchildren, their spouses and 12 great grandchildren, in addition to numerous nieces and nephews. 

Visitation will be held today from 4 to 6:00 p.m., at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Monday, November 17, 2014, at 11:00 a.m., at the Battle Creek First United Methodist Church, with visitation from 10:00a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The Rev. Tamara Williams, District Superintendent of Albion District of the United Methodist Church will bring the message. Memorials may be given to the Wesley Woods Dining Hall Expansion or to First United Methodist Church Memorial Fund. www.henryfuneralhome.org