Richard Brown
September 15, 1945 - May 29, 2025
Obituary
Richard M. Brown
Saginaw, Michigan
Richard Melvin Brown, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Covenant Healthcare in Saginaw, at the age of 79.
Born on September 15, 1945, in Saginaw, Michigan, Richard was the son of Ivan and Grace (Seeley) Brown. He married the love of his life, Maria Betancourt, on August 1, 1965. Together, they shared nearly 60 years of marriage and celebrated their 50th anniversary by renewing their vows at Richland Township Park in 2015.
Richard worked for IAC in Alma for 26 years before retiring. He was a longtime and faithful member of Bible Baptist Church in Merrill.
A true tinkerer at heart, Richard found joy in taking things apart—often new lawnmowers—just to rebuild them "the proper way." Richard enjoyed attending lawn tractor pulls, where he competed with his own mini tractor. He built his own gas-powered bicycle, which he proudly rode to work. Richard had a green thumb and enjoyed gardening, growing a bounty of beautiful flowers and delicious vegetables. In his younger years, he occasionally liked to fish and hunt, but what he cherished most was time spent with his family.
Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Maria; his children, Manuel Brown, Tarica Jordon, Jacob (Shawn Lynn) Brown, and Kenneth (Kristina Corlis) Brown; daughter-in-law, Trina Brown; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and his sisters, Susan Kelly and Jeri Stevens. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Annette L. Brown; his son, Richard A. Brown; and siblings Nancy Grollimund, Beverly Richie, Patricia Brown, Kenneth Brown, Erma Yanta, and Harry Brown.
Richard will be remembered for his inventive spirit, kindness, and unwavering love for his family.
VISITATION: Family and friends will gather at Bible Baptist Church, 5015 S. Merrill Road, Merrill, Michigan, 48637 on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.
FUNERAL SERVICE: A Funeral Service will take place at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at Bible Baptist Church, 5015 S. Merrill Road, Merrill, Michigan, 48637. Pastor Don Killey will officiate.
MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider planting a tree in Richard's memory or a memorial to the Alzheimer's Association.
For information, please contact Fischer Family Funeral Home, 989-755-8277. For online condolences, please visit www.fischerfuneral.com.
Saginaw, Michigan
Richard Melvin Brown, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Covenant Healthcare in Saginaw, at the age of 79.
Born on September 15, 1945, in Saginaw, Michigan, Richard was the son of Ivan and Grace (Seeley) Brown. He married the love of his life, Maria Betancourt, on August 1, 1965. Together, they shared nearly 60 years of marriage and celebrated their 50th anniversary by renewing their vows at Richland Township Park in 2015.
Richard worked for IAC in Alma for 26 years before retiring. He was a longtime and faithful member of Bible Baptist Church in Merrill.
A true tinkerer at heart, Richard found joy in taking things apart—often new lawnmowers—just to rebuild them "the proper way." Richard enjoyed attending lawn tractor pulls, where he competed with his own mini tractor. He built his own gas-powered bicycle, which he proudly rode to work. Richard had a green thumb and enjoyed gardening, growing a bounty of beautiful flowers and delicious vegetables. In his younger years, he occasionally liked to fish and hunt, but what he cherished most was time spent with his family.
Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Maria; his children, Manuel Brown, Tarica Jordon, Jacob (Shawn Lynn) Brown, and Kenneth (Kristina Corlis) Brown; daughter-in-law, Trina Brown; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and his sisters, Susan Kelly and Jeri Stevens. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Annette L. Brown; his son, Richard A. Brown; and siblings Nancy Grollimund, Beverly Richie, Patricia Brown, Kenneth Brown, Erma Yanta, and Harry Brown.
Richard will be remembered for his inventive spirit, kindness, and unwavering love for his family.
VISITATION: Family and friends will gather at Bible Baptist Church, 5015 S. Merrill Road, Merrill, Michigan, 48637 on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.
FUNERAL SERVICE: A Funeral Service will take place at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at Bible Baptist Church, 5015 S. Merrill Road, Merrill, Michigan, 48637. Pastor Don Killey will officiate.
MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider planting a tree in Richard's memory or a memorial to the Alzheimer's Association.
For information, please contact Fischer Family Funeral Home, 989-755-8277. For online condolences, please visit www.fischerfuneral.com.
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