Alastair W. Brown

Alastair Walfred Brown, age 95, died August 26, 2022. Born in Manton, Michigan, on May 29, 1927, he was the middle of 3 children. Alastair graduated from Manton High School; Michigan State (1949), Fuller Seminary (1952), and Christian Theological Seminary (1961). He married Clarice Virginia Dow June 3, 1952. Alastair was predeceased by his parents, Eugene Herbert Brown and Rose Marie (Lindstrom) Brown and brothers Eugene and infant Walfred. He is survived by his sister Ruth Belleville (Keith), and by his children, grandchildren, great grandchild, and many dearly loved relatives. Sons: David Michael (Susan) of Richland, MI; Douglas Eugene of Chicago, IL; and Mark Allen (Trisha) of Indianapolis. He (Grampy) was loved and esteemed by his grandchildren: Benjamin (Julia), Meredith, Micah, Gavin, Addison, Caleb, and great-granddaughter Naomi.  Alastair’s face would light up when in the presence of his children and grandchildren.

Alastair (Al) served 60 years of Christian ministry in 17 American Baptist churches—7 full time churches before retirement in 1993 and then 10 interim pastorates post-retirement until he was 85 years old.  Clarice, his beloved wife, played a vital role of support and served always by his side during these years in ministry.

Alastair was conscientious and thorough in his preparation of sermons, usually spending about 10 hours a week in research, writing, and having at least one “practice run” (which we could sometimes hear from the next room.)  We sons all appreciated sermons that rarely exceeded 20 minutes. He was personable and engaged with his parishioners, enjoyed visiting people in the hospital and also in their homes. His desire was always to train, build up and nurture people in the church.

“Dad” was a self-taught “fix-it” man around the house, and this quality was passed on to his sons. He also spent years building a radio, but none of us recall seeing the finished product.

Al’s appreciation of nature and God’s creation, whether camping, fishing, or hiking, brought out his curiosity and a softer side to his personality, a side that revealed itself more in his later years. His love of nature and all of creation was passed on to his children. He also loved taking his family on long vacations, exploring national and state parks across the country.

In his last eight years of life, Dad looked forward to “going to Glory” where he anticipated seeing his dear Clarice and other loved ones. He also hoped that there would be unlimited trout fishing, fountains of Mountain Dew, and trees of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in Heaven.

The Memorial Service will be on Sunday October 23rd at the Keenan Community Center at Hoosier Village, 9909 Purple Plum Lane Indianapolis, IN 46268. Visitation is at 1:00pm, the Celebration of life will be at 2:00pm. Refreshments will be served afterwards.

You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Any memorial donations may be made to: American Baptist International Ministries, P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482