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Ada High School Bluffton High School Ohio Wesleyan University

FUNERAL HOME

Hanson-Neely-Allison Funeral & Cremation Services - Ada

311 East Lima Avenue

Ada, Ohio

Gary Brown Obituary

Name: Visitation for Gary Brown
Start: 2023-05-01T14:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-05-01T15:00:00.000Z
Location: Hanson-Neely-Allison Funeral & Cremation Services - Ada

ADA -- 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 AM 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 AM to 11:00 AM on Monday, May 1st at 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.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hanson-Neely-Allison Funeral & Cremation Services, Ada.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Lima News from Apr. 27 to Apr. 28, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Brown

25 Entries

Martha Mecartney

June 30, 2023

Taking his classes (General 9th grade science, chemistry and physics) inspired me to go to Case Western Reserve University (which he identified for me as the best science school in the Midwest). I eventually end up with a highly rewarding career as an engineering faculty member at the University of Minnesota and the University of California, Irvine. Thank you Mr. Brown for your influence and your example of how much fun science could be - and for your life lessons you shared in our physics class.

Dortha Bailey

May 11, 2023

So sorry for your loss Jean just told me Gary passed May God be with you at this time as you grieve the loss and emptiness you will feel

John Lehman

May 8, 2023

Yesremember him fondly, a great happy and spirited person as a coach and teacher.

David Devier

May 5, 2023

Marsha, I just learned today of the passing of Gary. I am so sorry for your loss and send my thoughts and prayers to you and your family. David

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Rich Eastman

May 4, 2023

My siblings and I were fortunate enough to have had Coach Brown as a teacher in high school. My brothers and I were also lucky to have played football under Coach Brown throughout our four years...Looking back, I realize that I learned more from Mr. Brown than just science and football. Nothing but the fondest of memories.
Thanks, Coach.
The Eastmans

Jackie Stephenson (Fisher)

May 2, 2023

Prayers for you Marsha and your family. We can feel peace knowing he's in Heaven. Take Care

Diane Dillman-Elshire, BHS Class of 1970

April 30, 2023

Mr. Brown was a favorite among the Class of 1970 at BHS. He was a great teacher and coach. His humor and infectious laugh were legendary. He was able to connect to his students in a special way, and they all loved him. We all remember him as someone who had a great impact on our lives. He was both compassionate and caring. He was a huge part of our undefeated football season, and he always kept in touch with members of the team. It was wonderful when he took the time to come back to our class reunions. He will be forever remembered as one of the best teachers we ever had, and he will be missed. We send our love and sympathy to the Brown Family as you say your final goodbyes to your husband, father, and grandfather.

Bluffton High Class of 1982

Planted Trees

Larry & Pat (Lyons) Swaney

April 29, 2023

Marsha & family,
SO sorry to read of Gary's passing.
You have our deepest sympathy in your loss.
We are unable to travel to Ohio. Please forgive this.

jim augsburger

April 29, 2023

Gary was a great teacher and man you will be missed but not forgotten. Doc could build or fix anything
,a true master mind , you and your familygod bless

Leslie Anne (Schirch) Leslie

April 28, 2023

He was the reason I became fascinated with Biology and went into Forestry/ Parks/Outdoor Recreation.

Scott Shumaker

April 28, 2023

I was very sad to see that Gary had passed away. I really would have thought that he was invincible, if anyone could be.
I was introduced to Mr. Brown about the second week of my freshman year. Apparently, I was too noisy, right outside of his classroom. In a second, he was out in the hallway and adjusting my attitude. I learned that day "don't mess with Mr. Brown". From that day on, we got along great.
My grandfather was Wilford Geiger. I think he taught the sciences at BHS for 38 years, right before Gary. I also think that Gary student-taught with grandpa. My grandpa thought highly of him. Much to the disappointment of grandpa and Mr. Brown., I was a poor student through most of high school and stayed away from science and math as much as I could.
At some point some of my friends and I got really into dirt bikes. We thought we were pretty good. Mr. Brown invited us out to his place to ride. I remember we crashed a lot and got to hear about motorcycle jousting. We also got to hear that famous, sinister, Gary Brown laugh quite a bit. In my mind, I always hear it whenever I think of him. We also found out that day that we weren't very good.
Mr. Brown was a great teacher and a truly great person. The world was a better place for him being here. I wish I could have spent more time with him when I was young and had the opportunity.

With great sympathy,
Scott Shumaker, BHS Class of '79

Jan Sherman

April 28, 2023

Dear Mr Brown
Thank you for being an entertaining teacher! Your laugh will always be remembered!

Cindy Luginbuhl BHS '82

April 28, 2023

My deepest sympathies to the family. Mr. Brown was a teacher that I will always have fond memoires of. I can still hear his laughter as it echoed through the halls of BHS. He touched so many lives in his many years of education.

Bob Wood

April 28, 2023

Praying for the family. I roomed with Gary our freshman year at Bluffton College.
Bob Wood Winter Haven, FL

Chuck Sousley

April 28, 2023

Sorry for the loss of Gary great teacher still can see him riding his motorcycle to school every day prayers to family BHS CLASS OF 69 rip gary

Andy Pifer

April 28, 2023

Dear Marsha and family- I am so sorry to hear from Gary's passing. He always seemed like a hard working, gentle, good man. He had such a warming smile. God bless you all.

Ida Livingston

April 27, 2023

My family always called Gary, Mr. Brown. The title of respect felt due him even though he would never have asked for it. He was more than a neighbor, more of a mentor and definitely someone who we looked up to. He had a widely diverse set of skills, well educated and yet forever curious and never done learning. He taught both inside classroom walls and outside with an infectious attitude that was never condescending in any way. He was a good man and one that will be long remembered by those whose lives he touched.

I will always remember his standout truck that he painted to make the statement he wanted to express. He used to come to our farm and check out our machinery and sometimes randomly pick something up to take home and fix for us, other times he made custom machinery for our tractor that would serve our farming needs better.

When my family moved to Tennessee, although he was sad to see us go, he volunteered and followed through with hauling a load of machinery down for us. Once we were settled in TN, he and Marsha came and visited us at least twice while out on their travels.

I still retell some of the jokes he used to tell. He had an unmistakable laugh and he loved to laugh. Yet he was very serious about the things that were important to him.

His commitment to his marriage, family, neighbors, church and surrounding community are a testimony to true leadership, commitment, and it was an honor to have his example in my life.

Sharon Badertscher

April 27, 2023

I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers to help you through this difficult time.

Barbara Mumaugh White Class of '83

April 27, 2023

He was such a wonderful teacher. He made Biology such an interesting and fun class. He will be sadly missed by all whose lives he touched.

Melissa Gantz

April 27, 2023

Loved Doc Brown! He was one of the best teachers we had! I learned a lot and his toughness helped me pass my college science classes. Lifting all of you up in prayer.

John Cramer (BHS Grad 1982)

Planted Trees

Steve Bruskotter

April 27, 2023

Taught with
doc for many years until his retirement. Thought of him often and will miss him. Great guy and had a positive influence on many students.

Stacia Hall BoughanHall-Boughan

April 27, 2023

It is with my deepest sympathy of your loss.my heart and prayers go out to you all.❤

Stacia (Fisher) Hall-Boughan

Shelly Hoff

April 27, 2023

I never had him as a teacher but remember his laugh fondly as he walked the halls of Bluffton High. My prayers and sympathies are going out to the family in this time of loss.

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