Thomas E. Brown, 79, of Auburndale, Florida, passed away on March 16, 2025, at Astoria Senior Living in Winter Haven, Florida. Born in London, Ontario, Canada, on February 8, 1946, he was the son of the late Rev. Alfred E. and Mary Brown.

Tom graduated from Lima Senior High School in Lima, Ohio, in 1964 and went on to earn a degree from Anderson University in Anderson, Indiana, in 1970. He furthered his education at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, and Anderson Theological Seminary.

Tom’s early career began as a teacher for the Hamilton Heights School System near Indianapolis, where he also served as the basketball coach at the elementary school level. After seminary, Tom followed his calling into ministry. He pastored Peru Church of God in Peru, Indiana, for nine years, Bremen Church of God in Bremen, Indiana, for 16 years, and Elkhart First Church of God in Elkhart, Indiana, for five years before retiring. During his ministry, Tom also served as the Director of Youth Camps at Yellow Creek Camp in North Indiana and as president of the Yellow Creek Board of Directors.

Beyond his pastoral work, Tom was actively involved in the community. He served as the director of Big Brothers Big Sisters in Peru, Indiana, and was a dedicated member of the Kiwanis Club in Bremen, where he proudly served as president for two terms.

Tom met his beloved wife, Barbara Bate of Greensburg, Indiana, while in college, and they married in 1967. They made their home in Indiana until their retirement to Florida in 2018.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; his brothers and sisters-in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Don, and his parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the First Church of God in Winter Haven, FL. Arrangements are pending.

Memorial gifts can be made to the First Church of God, 3025 US 92 Winter Haven, FL. 33881 Telephone: 863.956.4601

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