After a brief illness, Theodore “Ted” Charles Brown Jr., 78, transitioned into Glory on Monday, June 19, 2017, at The Laurels in Defiance, surrounded by his family. He was born Nov. 29, 1938 in Defiance Township, the youngest child of Theodore and Irene (Doyle) Brown.
    He married the love of his life, Janice Nagel, on Nov. 21, 1959, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, the Ridge. They established their roots on a farm in Defiance Township where they reared their seven children and raised livestock and crops.
    Ted followed in his forefathers’ footsteps working in construction as a carpenter, and the land as a farmer. As a member of Carpenters’ Union Local #1581, he was employed by several local contractors, which included John Perez, Duerk-Shasteen, Zachrich Construction, and Baker and Shindler. He retired in 1999 after more than 40 years in the trade. He also formerly served his community as a township trustee.
    An avid football enthusiast, he played in the YMCA Old-Timers Football program during the 1960s. He wore number 38 on the Bombers’ squad, raising money for the YMCA Fund. He was also a fan of The Ohio State University football program.
    He enjoyed sharing his love for Jesus Christ with anyone willing to listen; visiting with family and friends; was always willing to help a neighbor or friend; and sharing his vast knowledge of construction with the next generation, especially at his son Matt’s shop. Ted could be found almost anywhere in northwest Ohio, but preferred to settle in at Tom’s Donuts in Defiance where he was known as “The Deacon,” or at Vagabond Village in Cecil, where he could be found planning his next adventure with his brother and best friend, Arnold, or at Yoder & Frey auctions kicking tires.
    He is sadly missed by his wife, Janice; four daughters, Denise (Mike) Gebers of Cecil, Carol (Kevin) Murray and Linda (Ed) Hammersmith both of Defiance, Kathey (Mike) Niblett of Elmore City, OK; three sons, Ted (Kelly) Brown III of Stryker, Matt (Julie) Brown of Defiance and Ben (Danielle) Brown of Holland, OH. Also surviving are nine grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren, one great-granddaughter with a great-grandson due in September; five step-great-grandchildren; a sister, Barb (John) Mack of Defiance; a brother, Arnold (Nancy) Brown of Farmer; sisters-in-law Darlene Brown of Okeechobee, FL, Nancy Brown of Ney, and Jean Zimmerman of Defiance; brother-in-law Bob Nagel of Defiance; along with an aunt, Vera Willitzer; plus a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
    He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Donnabelle; three brothers, Rogel, Ronald “Buzz”, and Gerald in infancy; a step-grandson Lt. David Murray; sisters-in-law Barbara (Lavens) Brown and Lois (Singer) Nagel; and brothers-in-law, Paul Nagel, Raymond Nagel and Ed Zimmerman; and three nieces.
    Schaffer Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Visitation and a memorial service will be held Friday, July 7 at Believers Church International, 1600 Ayersville Ave., Defiance. One-hour visitation begins at 10:30 a.m. with the service to follow at 11:30 a.m. Ministers Bill and Karen Perdue will officiate.
    Observing Ted’s distain for all things floral, the family is requesting donations are made to Children’s Lantern, ACT! for America, or a charity of the donor’s choice.