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Dean Brown Obituary
Age 44, of Canton, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012. Dean was faithful to God, his family and his friends. He was a man of integrity that kept his promises. His life calling was to reflect glory towards Jesus Christ. Dean was born in Canton, Ohio (Sept. 7, 1968) and graduated from McKinley high school. He was an all-star football player who later went on to play for the Universityof Notre Dame. During his time in South Bend, he played on the 1988 national championship squad, which was considered to be one of the best undefeated teams in the history of college football. This last week, Dean celebrated as his alma mater achieved an undefeated record once again.
After graduating from Notre Dame, Dean was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts and spent time with the San Diego Chargers and the Kansas City Chiefs. After his football career, he was a manager for 11 years at Fannie Mae in Chicago. Later in 2003, he was hired as the Dean of Friendship Public Charter School, the largest such school in inner city Washington, D.C. In August 2012, Dean returned home to Ohio after being selected as principal of Nexus Academy in Cleveland. He was a true Christian, a true believer in God and he was doing the work of the Lord until his last breath. Dean is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, William and Fanny Lamar (Canton, Ohio); paternal grandmother, Ida Bell Whitehead (Milwaukee, Wisconsin); and uncles, Carl Lamar and John Hall (Canton, Ohio).
He is survived by his loving wife, Brenda of 19 years; daughters, Alyssa, 14 and Lauren, 12 (Seven Hills, Ohio); mother, Saundra Brown (Canton, Ohio); father, Edward Brown (Denver, Colorado); brother, Michael (Kim) Brown (Canton, Ohio); mother-in-law, Carol Collisson (Canton, Ohio); and sister-in-law, Sonji (Doug) Gregory (Navarre, Ohio); and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, at Peoples Baptist Church, 701 17th Street Southeast, Canton, OH, 44707 with the Reverend Dr. Walter J. Arrington and Pastor Doug Gregory officiating. Committal service to follow. Calling hours will be in the church on Wednesday, Dec. 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. and for one hour prior to services on Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. Cards and condolences may be sent to Reed Funeral Home, c/o Brenda Brown, 705 Raff Road Southwest Canton, OH 44710. Those wishing to send their condolences or share a fond memory may sign the reed online guestbook at
www.reedfuneralhome.com
Reed, 330-477-6721
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dean Brown
anony mous
April 13, 2017
Dean Brown has been on my mind for the past couple of days. I pray that the lord sends comfort and blessings to his family. Dean Brown was truly a great man and his legacy will continue to live on
Tracie Freeman
December 8, 2012
My Deepest Condolences to The Family of Dean M. Brown. I had the pleasure of attending Peoples Baptist Church with Dean. He was truly a One of Kind Person. His friendly disposition and contagious smile I will miss. But knowing that he Loved the Lord with all of his heart and soul eases the pain of not having him physically here on earth. I will continue to pray for his Wife (Brenda), Children, Mother, Brother Family and Friends. May you all find strength in God in the days and years ahead. Cherish the loving memories you have of Dean. I am truly blessed to have known such a great person. I will miss My Brother in Christ. God Bless You All
. But I am so Blessed to have had the indeed pleasure of knowing and attending Peoples Baptist Church with such a Truly One of a KIND PERSON. Dean was an awesome person to me.
Christina Mueller Taurence
December 8, 2012
My prayers and deep sympathy go out to Dean's family and all those he touched during his life. I met Dean at Notre Dame. Visions of his smile will never leave me....a "Gentle Giant" for certain. May his legacy live long in our hearts and memories.
Terry Gray
December 7, 2012
God has called home a GREAT man. i enjoyed our times at FCA! Rest in peace DB! Go Irish!
Tamaira
December 7, 2012
Dean Brown was an amazing man! Even after I graduated he was still there for me, willing to help in anyway possible. He treated me & all the other FCA students like we were his own. Always keeping us out of trouble. Always watching over us. Thank you Dean Brown.
Kelly Jurkovic
December 7, 2012
My soul & heart are aching. It was such an honor to have known a man like Dean. U truely are a pillar of integrity, wisdom, & faith. It was a pleasure meeting you & calling you my friend. U will truely be missed. R.I.P.. Dean.
Hollie (Brian) Mathews Wilder
December 6, 2012
To the Brown Family words can not express the sadness we have at the loss of such a wonderful person. God makes no mistakes and I'm honored to have had the pleasure of having Dean "Big Happy" in my life. Not one bad thing can be said about him Not a One... He was unique and a blessing to us all. Until we meet again Dean I will always remember you and try to enhance my life more just because I knew you and that is what you would've wanted. God Bless the Brown Family .
Garland Snow-Rivers
December 6, 2012
Family, we extend our most sincere thoughts & prayers during this most difficult time. May the precious memories of your Beloved Dean provide you with peace & strength. He was such a gentle giant who no matter what NEVER CHANGED. One should consider themselves BLESSED to have known such a Beautiful, Loving person. I truly believe The Lord puts Angels in our lives & Dean surely was one. God Bless!
Marcus Stokes
December 6, 2012
Dean you were a bright red rose rising through the concrete we came from on the south east side. You were an inspiration to so many of us. Beyond your athletic accomplishments you were a gentleman and a scholar first and you set the standard of excellence for achievement on and off the field. You will be missed but never forgotten. Your light lives eternally in all of us whom you've touched.
Arrielle / Celeste Glenn
December 6, 2012
The little time i met you my daughter and i were thrill to have found such a kind hearted man who took on the commitment of helping the students in this school and so proud of a man to whom they can look up to....Dean Brown with honors you will be missed ...GOD bless u and your family .....
Crystal Gillespie Eldridge
December 6, 2012
Mrs. Brown & Mike,
My prayers are with you, Dean was an incredible example & reflection of God's love in the earth. Such a powerful legacy of life. Mike, my heart is with you during this time.
clarence "cj" williams
December 5, 2012
Sending the Brown Family my condolences. Big Dean became a great man from Canton, Ohio. He'll be missed.
Paulette D. Jenkins
December 5, 2012
It has been an HONOR and a PRIVILEGE to have known you, not only as a Dear Friend but as a BIG Brother! I will miss your contagious SMILE and our Sports talks..
<3 you Dean, RIP
Tim Singo
December 5, 2012
My sympathies and prayers to the Brown Family. Dean and I met way back in fourth grade at St Anthony's. What a friend. I knew he had something special in him way back then. I am just thankful to have known him, he was a good friend. And since then so many of the things we talked about as silly dreams for two poor kids came true. I am glad to know he knew the Lord and I look forward to seeing him again one day.
Vickie Kostolich-Dolak
December 5, 2012
The McKinley class of 86 produced the best of the best and Dean was certainly at the top of the class. He was a warm, funny, kind soul that will forever watch over all who loved him. Rest in Peace Dean and may the Lord give your family the comfort they so desperately need at this time and always.
Melissa Denton
December 5, 2012
To the family of Dean Brown, you will continue to be in our prayers. Dean will truly be missed.
Jim Russell
December 5, 2012
Our Thoughts & Prayers to the Brown Family. No words can ever ease the pain of losing a Loved one, I only hope your Family finds comfort in knowing that Dean is in a Heavenly Place.
KELLEY MILLER-HOWELL
December 5, 2012
This candle won't burn as bright as you do... RIP DEAN.... <3
December 5, 2012
So sad to see a friend leave, but he is in the ultimate resting place ... even though our years at McKinley were short, you became a great presence... Love & Sympathy to the family of Dean... truly a "Gentle Giant" and you will be greatly missed. Kelley Miller-Howell
Lynn Hurst
December 5, 2012
Dean was an exceptional person. Always had a big smile on his face no matter what mood he may have been in. he has touched alot of people in a million ways. He had a heart of pure gold.i had met dean at hartford he made you feel like he's known you forever. I dont think hes ever met a stranger.i know I will never forget him, there will never be another like him. Our prayers go out to all who knew and loved him . And formost his family.Dean is proof god only has the best. You will never be forgotton my friend.
Vance Parks
December 5, 2012
I've known Dean since Hartford....August 29th 1980. Wow! It's the greatest honor to have him as a great friend. He always had a big smile and good words to quell any bad day. We always had a special "handshake" everytime we met in class or homeroom. He never left that smile, personality, or bright demeanor at home. I'll truly miss him. Dean Brown......a true inspirational man and true friend.
Jason Campbell
December 5, 2012
I wont make the service, because of another servant that went home to be with the Lord from our church the next day after you did Big Bro, but believing in the type of person you was, i know you understand that the work of the Ministry must go on, I know one day we will meet again in the Glorious City, until then bro, i will be praying for your family, and holding on to all the memories I can conjure up. RIP!!
Kristin Johansson
December 5, 2012
I attended Notre Dame with Dean. He took time out of his busy schedule to coach our dorm's women's IM flag football team, and helped us win the championship. I always thought of him as a "gentle giant". One of the nicest people I have ever known. My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.
Jonathan Brown
December 5, 2012
Knowing that Dean was saved and in the body of Christ is the comfort, and an example for us to follow so that we can meet Dean in heaven. Praying for the family. God bless and keep you.
Janice Bowman
December 5, 2012
I use to wait on your Mom Saundra at the bank at Canton Center Mall. She always spoke so proudly of you bringing you in to introduce her son whom played for one of my favorite teams (Notre Dame) Dean M. Brown. Since then we reconnected on Facebook and it has been nice watching you and joking at times. I hope in heaven the coach is at last giving you the ball. My deepest of sympathy to all of your family. Heaven is receiving one of it's finest Angels. While we mourn I know heaven is rejoicing. Sending Love all your way.
Jennifer Costa
December 5, 2012
My daughters and niece go to Nexus Academy. Although, they only knew Mr. Brown for a short period of time. He has impacted their lives and got them on the right path to becoming successful. Even though they only new him for a short period of time he has touched their lives in an amazing way. Thank you Mr. Brown. Gabriella, Cynthia, and Tosha's family.
Tieriney Camper
December 4, 2012
I love you big cuz I miss u pinchin my cheeks and calling me bighead. U will never be forgotten and always missed. Rest in paradise. Kiss GG for me.
Andria Settles, Class of '92
December 4, 2012
To the Brown family, my prayers are with you and my heart goes out to you. I went to ND with Dean, and I don't recall a day I saw him without a smile on his face. I know he is one of God's many angels watching over us. May you feel comfort in the days ahead knowing that Dean's gentle and kind spirit will always reside in your heart. May God be with you always.
Jennie Hess
December 4, 2012
My children attend Nexus Academy and have only known Dean Brown for a short time. Cailyn and Connor held him in high esteem and will miss him terribly. His shoes will be immpossible to fill.
Colette Carl
December 4, 2012
To The Brown Family, With deepest sympathy. God Bless, keep and comfort you at this difficult time.
Sharon Williams Davis
December 4, 2012
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Paul & Janet Martin
December 4, 2012
Paul and I were shocked to learn of Dean's passing. We saw him grow up and watched him play for McKinley, and later the NFL teams who were fortunate to have such a young man of his character and integrity. He will be missed. We will keep the family in our thoughts and prayers. May your memories bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Sheilah Crump and children
December 4, 2012
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Katrice & Mark Bigsbee
December 4, 2012
To Mike Brown and Family. Please accept our condolences on the passing of Dean. We truly are Sorry for your loss.
Agatha Johnston-Johnson
December 4, 2012
Brown Family,
I was shocked to hear of your loss. Please know how very sorry I am. When your heart is empty, filling it with happy memories can help you find your smile.
Monica Inman Spiva
December 4, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Tammy Kissenberger
December 4, 2012
I'm so sorry to hear about Dean-he was a great person and will miss him. My husband and I were McKinley fans. I'll always remember Dean at McKinley and I watched him played in college.
Thinking of all of you,
Tammy Kissenberger
Lisa Corns
December 4, 2012
I had Trig class with Dean in high school. He was like a big brother to me always protective when I had issues. The world lost a great guy ! My thoughts and prayers are with the Brown family during this difficult time!
Eve Fontes
December 4, 2012
My heart is sad today because I, like everyone who ever met Dean, lost a great brother and friend. Even going back to our Hartford days Dean was a man of integrity, great character and joy. He has indeed left a great legacy. I today am proud to say that Dean Brown was my friend. May the comfort of God embrace each loved one during this difficult time. Love you Dean, rest in Him.
December 4, 2012
My prayers go out to you Mike & the Brown family. May God help guide you all through these difficult times, Denico Buckley
John Adorjan
December 4, 2012
Dear Family,
Please accept my condolences upon the passing of your beloved Dean. Take solace in knowing that he was a man of character, honor and industry. I remember him riding his bicycle to his summer job when others would have found an excuse not to go to work. This is the legacy that he leaves to you. May Our Lady, whose banner he proudly and honorably carried, along with the angels and saints welcome Dean into Paradise.
John Adorjan
Past President Notre Dame Club of Canton
JoAnne Abed
December 4, 2012
The Notre Family has lost a true hero. May God rest his kind soul and watch over your family in this sad time.
The Marshall family, Sherry,Demetrius,Ernie,Breanna, and 'Pookie'
December 4, 2012
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Lorraine Shorter
December 4, 2012
May God Bless you and your family in your time of sorrow, My prayer's go out to you and your daughters.
Lorraine Shorter
Crofton Middle
Theaster Harris
December 4, 2012
Dean you will be truely missed! we grew up together from allen on thru high school wow we just caught up with one another last yr on facebook RIP Dean! Too Soon my friend!
Matthew Spatz
December 3, 2012
I met Dean in college. He was always smiling and had an incredible warmth of spirit that he shared with others. He stood up in front of class once, telling us that he had missed us over break. "I love all y'all," he said, with that smile and that contagious laughter. When we charged the field after the Miami game, Dean nearly crushed me with a huge bear hug. Of course Dean did so much with his life after college. He serves as inspiration for the rest of us to make a difference with our lives. Peace, Brother. And peace to your family in this difficult time.
December 3, 2012
To Sandra Brown and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May God give you strength and comfort during your time of bereavement. You were blessed to have a wonderful, God loving, son, husband. My prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Carol Dickey and family
mindy swonger
December 3, 2012
My prayers are with you and your family Carol.
Michael E. and Karen M. Rudolph
December 3, 2012
You will truly be missed, although our visits were far and few between you are family. God has blessed us with a good one and together we will support each other through this trying time of loss...may your spirit be among all your loved one in precious memories...truly loved...
Maria Hall
December 3, 2012
Sympathies to the family, Dean was a good guy in high school and it sounds like he has done many more good things since...I am certain he will be dearly missed. I pray the peace of Jesus will be with you this year in a way that is comforting and strengthening.
Mary Ellen Poirier
December 3, 2012
Brenda, I attended Notre Dame with Dean and we became fast friends. He was a beautiful man and a wonderful friend. He always had a smile on a face and a kind word to those who approached him. God blessed him with you and your two daughters.
May God continue to protect and comfort you in your time of need. I know Dean will be missed dearly by all those who knew him.
- Mary Ellen (Feliz) Poirier, ND class of '90
December 3, 2012
My thoughts and prayers go up before The Lord for the wife and children of Dean and also for the rest of the family. My girls are the exact same age as his and my heart goes out to them. May God bring you comfort,and peace in your time of bereavement
God Bless
Tracy Johnson(Kolbs)
David Casper
December 3, 2012
My prayers for the family
Danielle Buller
December 3, 2012
I will never forget you. We always will miss you and love you. You always part in my heart, life and family. I love you as like brother. I will pray for your family. Rest in Peace Dean Brown.
Sheldon Lewis
December 3, 2012
No words can express the sadness that filled my heart when I was told that Dean had passed. He was truly a good guy. He will be missed but his spirit will live with us forever.
December 3, 2012
I am so glad I got to meet Dean and your girls at Grace. God Bless you and your girls. Dean is celebrating with the Lord of Lords!!! Lynda Stamm
Ted Bowersox
December 3, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Brown family....
Steve and Annie Link
December 3, 2012
What a great servant of the Lord! He was a true gentleman, a wonderful father, a loving husband and a great friend. You are gone from this earth but will not be forgotten.
Tina Milini-Kelley
December 3, 2012
Thoughts and prayers are with Deans friends and family.
Asie & Annie Singleton
December 3, 2012
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Kathy Cherry
December 3, 2012
...Extending my condolences to the entire Brown family on the passing of our beloved "gentle giant", Dean...Let the blessed comfort that only God can give sustain all of you both now and in the days to come...
Lisa Elkins
December 3, 2012
Attended McKinley with Dean.
Dean showed me a moment of kindness one day in class that I, to this day, have never forgotten! He was a true friend that I will always remember!
RIP Sweet Dean!!
Samantha Kistler
December 3, 2012
I went to McKinley with Dean, he was truly a good guy. My heart goes out to his family.
Charlene Pershing
December 3, 2012
Dean was one of my best and kindest students at Hartford Jr. High. I just loved his ready smile.
Twila Buller
December 3, 2012
He will be missed very much. He was a great son, brother, husband, and father. Another great man of God gone to be with Him. He grew up with my children and they looked up to him as a role model and great friend.
Reginald Grant
December 3, 2012
One of Mrs. Grant's favorite tenors of all time at Hartford Jr. High School and very well behaved and enthusiastic student who used the public library system well (during his high school years)....Dean's memory is legendary to all of us in the education and public information field.....
God Bless the entire family as we continue to pray for your total comfort and peace, during this time and season.
Mrs. JoAnne Grant
Reginald Grant
...and family
Sherrye Jackson
December 3, 2012
Brenda,daughters,Saundra,Carol,Sonji,I am shocked to hear of Dean's passing. But to absent from this body is to present with the Lord. But trust in the Lord with all thine heart, he will see you through. Your faith in Almighty God will hold you in confidence,love and peace through this time of difficulty.Much love to you all.I remember seeing you last at a service at Trinity Gospel Temple.
December 3, 2012
My prayers are with the family!!God love and care for you and so do I!!
Teresa Young
December 3, 2012
Praying for you and the family
Milton Young & family
December 3, 2012
Just anther example of a Almighty God taking anther mighty solder home.Family you,re in our prayers
Daniel O'Connor
December 3, 2012
I attended Notre Dame with Dean and had the pleasure of getting to know him. Dean always had a smile on his face and a nice thing to say. I know he is in a better place. I pray that God may bless Dean and his family.
Eric Showes
December 3, 2012
I was stunned when I first heard that Dean had passed. The feeling hasn't ceased and it is hard to put my feelngs into words. However, i will say that my life is richer not only from knowing Dean but also from being blessed to know his mother and brother as well. My condolences your entire family. Eric Showes
Karen Jackson
December 3, 2012
My heart and prayers to the Brown family.Dean you will be missed.
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