Joe Brown

Joe Steven Brown, 73, lifetime resident of the Syracuse area, died Saturday, July 9, 2022, at Indiana University Hospital, Indianapolis.

Born on Oct. 31, 1948, Joe was the son of O. Eugene “Gene” Brown and Phyllis (Botts) Brown. He was born in Goshen and attended school in Syracuse, graduating there in 1967.

He was called to service in January 1969. During his tour in Vietnam, Joe earned the rank of Sergeant and was honorably discharged on Jan. 8, 1971. Joe became engaged to Nancy Schlemmer during this time. The two were married on July 5, 1970, and shared more than 52 years together before his passing.

In addition to his wife, Nancy Brown, Syracuse; three children and their families survive, Jeff (Joanne) Brown, Syracuse, and their children, Nick (wife, Nicole, and son, Hudson), Hayden and Adele; Brian (April) Brown, Syracuse, and their children, Janae, Brenna, Adria and Jacinda; and Mary (Jeff) Lepird, South Bend, and their children, Jared, Hailey and Issac. Also surviving are two sisters, Susan (Jon) Roddie, St. James City, Fla. and Kay (Don) McCulloch, Syracuse. He was preceded in passing by his parents and two unborn grandchildren.

A hard worker, Joe followed his father and grandfather into farming. He was proud of the work he did and taught his children the value of a strong work ethic.  He was a very private person, had great faith and cared deeply for those close to him. He enjoyed restoring John Deere 2-cylinder tractors and was a proud member of the “Old Farts and Farmers Club.” He was also a member of the North Webster American Legion.

Friends may join the family for a time of visitation from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 14, 2022, at Owen Family Funeral Home, 1001 S. Huntington St., Syracuse. Joe’s Life Celebration® will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, July 15, in the funeral home. There will be an hour visitation before the service. Family friend, Pastor Mike Gross will officiate. Burial will follow at Syracuse Cemetery; military graveside honors will be conducted by American Legion Post 253.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be given to IU Simon Cancer Center, c/o IU Foundation, PO Box 7072, Indianapolis, IN 46207; American Red Cross (Memo line should say Northern Indiana – blood) 220 W. Colfax Avenue, Suite 510, South Bend, IN 46601; or donors’ choice. Written condolences may be left for the family at www.TitusFuneralHome.com