Reverend Doctor Stephen Carter Brown

Reverend Doctor Stephen Carter Brown died of leukemia on Oct 19,2026 at Springfield Regional Medical Center. He was born Feb 10, 1947 to William C and Thelma Fitts Brown in Marion, Ohio. His little sister, Sharon Sherbondy joined the family six years later and now resides in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.

He graduated from Marion Harding High School in 1965 and attended the Ohio State University branch in Marion for two years. In 1967 he moved to the main campus at The Ohio State University, where he graduated in 1969. He met his future wife, Pennie Cahoon Brown, on a blind date in 1969. They were married in June of 1970.

Steve taught school in Mansfield, Ohio for a year before attending Andover Newton Theological Seminary in Newton Center, Mass and graduating with his Masters of Divinity Degree. He was ordained as an American Baptist minister in July, 1974.

After returning to Ohio, he and Pennie welcomed their first child Michael John Robert Brown (Meegan Hayes) in Aug of 1974, followed by their daughter Meghan Marie Brown Santucci (Antony) born in 1977.

He served churches in Conn. and Mass. before receiving his Doctor of Theology degree from the Methodist Theological Seminary. He served as a campus minister at Sinclair Community College in Dayton and 3 campuses in Worcester, Mass.

After returning to Ohio for the final time, he taught school at the Oesterlen Services for Youth in Springfield, where he was known as Doc, and was the minister at the United Church in Mt. Sterling, Ohio.

Steve loved all sports, but especially his Ohio State Buckeyes and The Cincinnati Reds. He enjoyed reading, movies, golf, playing Words with Friends, and his New York Times newspaper, sharing those joys with everyone.

He was a member of Harmony Lodge #8 in Urbana and a Past Patron of Caroline Chapter Order of the Eastern Star.

Steve has two beloved granddaughters: Quinn Santucci (Brent Duncan) and Rihanna Santucci.

A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, October 26 at Messiah Lutheran Church, 1013 East Lawn Ave., Urbana, Ohio, 43078. Visitation will be from 10 to 10:45 am, with Masonic service beginning at 10:45 am. A Celebration of Life at 11 am will follow, with Pastor Ray Branstiter and Emma Helms Steinmetz officiating.

Immediately following the service, the family will be leaving to place Steve in his beloved Paint Creek for a final float.

Donations may be made to your favorite charity or to the Cancer Association of Champaign County, PO Box 38125, Urbana,Ohio, 43078.