Rev. Harold Brown

Age 85, died peacefully on January 16, 2021. Harold was born March 6, 1935 in Akron, Ohio the son of Gerald and Margaret (Boger) Brown. While working at General Motors in Mansfield, Ohio, Harold’s destiny was changed by Cook Road Baptist Church, which encouraged him to pursue the ministry. Harold did exactly that, graduating from Baptist Bible College in Springfield, MO in 1968. He pastored a few churches in the greater Kalamazoo area, but he is perhaps most known for starting Kalamazoo Baptist Church. Harold was one who never knew a stranger. He genuinely cared for everybody and made them feel welcome in his presence. His caring, laid back nature made him easy to befriend. He loved to laugh and never passed up a good buffet.

Harold was preceded in death by his wife, Nora; and his siblings: Mary Moats, Ronnie Brown, and David Brown. Surviving are his children: Terry Brown, Danny Brown, and Dale Brown; 7 grandchildren: Jennifer, Allyssa, Russell, Melinda, Crystal, Ashley, and Ty; 3 great-grandchildren: Hunter, Evan, and Drake; siblings: Joe (Nancy) Brown, Bill (Lydia) Brown, Donald Brown, and Susan Sauer; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation for family and friends will take place 1-2PM Wednesday (JAN 20) at Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Dr., Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. Private burial will take place at Mount Ever Rest Memorial Park. Visit Harold’s personal webpage at www.BetzlerLifeStory.com where you may archive a favorite memory or photo, and sign his online guestbook. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Maranatha Bible Baptist Church c/o Brother Homer, 23897 Wakeman Rd, Mendon, MI 49072.