John Michael Brown, age 81, of Celina, Ohio, passed away peacefully at 6:39 a.m. on Sunday, January 12, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

John was born on September 29, 1943, in Glynwood, Ohio, to the late Roy and Alodia (Oen) Brown. He married Pamela Sue Green on November 4, 1967, and she survives living in Celina.

John is also survived by his children: Michelle Brown of Redkey, Indiana; Matthew (Mary Whited) Brown of St. Marys, Ohio; Rebecca (Jerry) Metzger of Fort Recovery, Ohio; and Benjamin (Kathleen Wilker) Brown of Celina, Ohio. He was a proud grandfather to 11 grandchildren and a great-grandfather to 12 great-grandchildren.     Additionally, he is survived by his siblings: The Rev. Harold Brown, C.P.P.S. of Carthagena, Ohio; Alvin Brown of New Bremen, Ohio; Ann Leinweber of St. Marys, Ohio; Agnes (Cletus) Schmerge of LaSalle, Colorado; The Rev. Joseph Brown, C.P.P.S. of Carthagena, Ohio; Dr. Virgil (Ellen) Brown of Moulton, Ohio; and Theresa (Richard) Ramga of St. Johns, Ohio. He is also survived by his brothers- and sisters-in-law: Ruth (Poeppleman) Brown of Wapakoneta, Ohio; Jeannette (Homan) Brown of Glynwood, Ohio; Andy (Peggy) Green of Celina, Ohio; Joe (Jan) Green of Wapakoneta, Ohio; Don (Denise) Green of Celina, Ohio; and Ann (Fred) Giesige of Celina, Ohio.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Alodia (Oen) Brown; siblings Anthony (Dorothy) Brown, Francis X. Brown, Paul Brown, Mary (Bill) Yahl, and David Brown; and his grandson Corey Brown. He was also preceded by his parents-in-law Murle and Berniece Green; siblings-in-law Ruth Brown, Ruth (Homan) Brown, and Samuel Green.

A graduate of St. Mary's Memorial High School (Class of 1961), John had a successful 40-year career as an electrician and business owner of Total Electric Service Inc. in Celina, Ohio. He was a devoted member of Immaculate Conception Church in Celina, where he taught CCD and served as a Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus. John was also active in the Mercer County Sportsman and Rotary Club.

John had a deep passion for life and enjoyed a variety of hobbies. He loved traveling, having visited 48 states, and he enjoyed camping, road trips, and exploring new places, reading every sign along the way. A skilled card player, especially at euchre, he made sure even his grandchildren earned their victories. John was an avid historian, enjoyed slow-pitch softball, and was a champion horseshoe player, winning multiple awards. He took great pride in tending to his vegetable and flower gardens and embraced the outdoors in every season.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 10:30 A.M. at the Immaculate Conception Church, with Fr. Rob Muhlenkamp and Deacon Marty Brown officiating. A private burial will be held in Elm Grove Cemetery at a later date.

Friends and family may call on Thursday, January 17, 2025, at 4:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. and 9:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M. on Friday at Lehman Dzendzel Funeral Home. The Knights of Columbus Council #1800 will hold a member's service after the visitation on Thursday.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Building Maintenance Fund for the Knights of Columbus Council #1800.

John will be deeply missed by his family and friends. His legacy of love, joy, and adventure will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Condolences may be shared with the Brown family at LehmanDzendzelFH.com.