Daniel Brown Obituary

Daniel H. Brown Sr.

Aug. 25, 1935 - Oct 2, 2024

Huron

Daniel H. Brown, 89, residing in Huron, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Daniel was born Aug. 25, 1935, in Ohio City, Ohio, to the late Walter and Lucille (High) Brown.

Dan earned his bachelor's degree from Ohio Northern University and his master's degree from University of Toledo. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from Bowling Green State University.

Dan Brown was an integral part of Owens Community College for many years. He led Owens Community College as its president for 17 years, from 1984 to 2001. Owens officially opened its doors as Penta County Technical Institute Sept. 13, 1965, and Dan was one of its first employees, serving as a counselor. His training as a counselor lasted him throughout his career, as he always put the students first. Prior to his role as president, he served the college in many capacities, including counselor, dean, vice president and executive vice president. During his tenure at Owens, enrollment grew from 200 to 17,000 students.

He was a strong supporter of the athletic department and its student-athletes. A sports advocate, he believed that their education had to come first. He oversaw the growth of the athletic programs from men's basketball in 1984 to six sports at the time of his retirement. In 2017, he was inducted into Owens Express Hall of Fame.

Under his leadership, Owens undertook development of its Main Campus, expanding it to encompass both sides of Oregon Road. He also oversaw the establishment and growth of the Findlay Campus. In addition to the growth of physical space, he worked diligently to make sure that the campus stayed on the cutting edge of technology.

His love of the students didn't end upon his retirement. He established the President Daniel H. Brown Endowed Scholarship, with preference given to students with a School of Health Sciences or School of Nursing major.

Dan especially loved golfing, boating, sporting events and spending time with family and friends.

Dan is survived by his wife, Nancy (Shook) Brown, whom he married in Dec. of 1972. He is also survived by his three sons, Daniel H. (Karen) Brown, Jr. of Tennessee, Michael "Tony" Brown of Genoa and Thomas (Jacqui) Brown of Cleveland; six grandchildren, Celina, Tony, Justin, Doug, Milo and Matilda; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

In addition to his parents, Daniel is preceded in death by his sister, Marjorie Stephenson.

A special acknowledgment to Pam Pullella, Dan's right arm through most of his career at Owens and for the work history of this obituary.

Dan was the most attentive, kind, and loving husband a wife could ask for. His love for his family helped establish a large, connected group of different personalities who all loved each other and being together. Bless you for that gift. You will be missed beyond words.

A Celebration of Dan's Life will be 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, at Sawmill Creek Resort.

Groff Funeral Homes and Crematory will be assisting the family with arrangements.

Those wishing to contribute to Daniel's memory may do so to Daniel H. Brown Scholarship Fund c/o Owens Community College, 30335 Oregon Rd, Perrysburg, Ohio 43551 or Victory Kitchen, PO Box 2593, Sandusky, Ohio 44870 http://www.victorykitchen.net/donations.php.

Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.