Robert L. Browning

BROWNING Robert L. Browning, 83, of Worthington, Oh., died at home from cancer on May 11, 2008, surrounded by family. He was the widely respected Chryst Professor of Christian Education and a first generation faculty member at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio. The author or co-author of numerous books and articles, he was actively engaged in various religious, educational and public service initiatives until the end of his life, including membership on the Ohio Ethics Commission. He was also a co-founder of Partners for Citizenship and Character. A role model, mentor, teacher and true friend to many, he was a graduate of Missouri Valley College, where he was honored as the Outstanding Alumnus of the Year, Union Theological Seminary (Masters of Divinity) and The Ohio State University where he received a doctorate in education. His professional accomplishments include being the first executive director of the organization that became the Commission on Interprofessional Education and Practice at The Ohio State University; president, Association of Professors and Researchers in Religious Education; and being named in the Talbot School of Theology's Christian Educators of the 20th Century project. He was preceded in death by his first wife Jean and his parents Robert W. and Nelle Browning of Trenton, Missouri. He is survived by his wife, Jackie Rogers Browning; and his brother, Don Browning (Carol); sister, Carolyn Muncy (Glenn); as well as his children, Greg Browning (Lynne), David Browning (Mary Beth), Peter Browning (Carol) and Lisa Browning McCoy (Mike); step-children, Pam Johnston (Bill), Paul Rogers III (Andrea) and Robin Criel (Bruce); grandchildren, Megan (Ryan) and Abigail Browning, Mac and James Collins, Erin, Kevin and Amy Criel, Ben Crispin (Kelli), Lisa Fought (Mike), Nathaniel, Madalyn and Lillian McCoy and Philip (Patti) and Julia Rogers; great-grandchildren, Owen and Isabel Crispin, Samuel, Allyson and Kathryn Fought and Charlie Rogers. A visitation will take place at the Worthington United Methodist Church, 600 High St., Worthington, Oh. from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2008. A Memorial Service will occur at the church at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 15, with a church dinner following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Methodist Theological School in Ohio or the Worthington United Methodist Church. Sign the online guestbook at www.dispatch.com/obituaries