NORTH MANCHESTER – Michael D. Brown, 68, of North Manchester, died at 12:55 a.m. Aug. 10, 2011, in his residence.
He was born May 7, 1943, in Wichita, Kan., to Don S. and Phyllis Jean Long Brown. On June 7, 1971, he married Judith L. Miller, who survives.
In 1973, he and his wife started “The Studio,” North Manchester, where he did jewelry repair and design as well as selling natural foods and supplements. He attended Manchester Church of the Brethren, North Manchester, and the Chicago, Ill., and Rochester, N.Y., Zen Centers. He received a bachelor’s degree from McPherson (Kan.) College in 1965 and a master’s degree in European History from Kansas State University in 1967. He served in the Peace Corps in Malaysia. Active in community affairs, he was past president of Manchester Main Street Inc., served on multiple Chamber Of Commerce committees and worked with the Historical Preservation Group. In 2006, he campaigned for a seat in the U.S. Congress.
Surviving are two sons, Dustin S. (and spouse Heidi) Brown, Rockville, Md., and Daniel J. Brown, North Manchester; two daughters, Ambrosia J. Brown, Moab, Utah, and Heather V. Brown, North Manchester; his stepmother, Virginia “Jinkie” Brown, Wichita; two half sisters, Jan Wingad, San Jose, Calif., and Cindy (and spouse Richard) Phinney, Wichita; and three grandchildren.
Meditation will be from 3 to 4 p.m. Sept. 4, followed by a memorial service at 4 p.m. at Manchester Church of the Brethren, North Manchester, with Pastor Kurt Borgmann officiating. Burial will be in the Manchester Church of the Brethren Memorial Garden.
Calling will follow the burial.
McKee Mortuary, North Manchester, is in charge of arrangements.
***** Memorials may be made to Manchester Main Street Inc. for Community Trails Network Project, P.O. Box 26, North Manchester, IN 46962
