Rev. Orval S. Brown

Minister Orval Brown went from Earth to Glory, Wednesday, July 19, 2017.

Orval attended Indiana State College and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Indianapolis University.

Orval met his bride of 60 years, Connie Banner, at Northwestern Community Center where young folk met and had fun.  They entered into Holy Matrimony September 27, 1956 and raised three children. Karen (school teacher), Shari (Nurse and his personal nurse thru his illness), and Joseph (Computer Programmer). 

Orval was a gifted student and athlete. In 1952, he was all-around athlete at Crispus Attucks High School. Orval enjoyed putting his coaching skills to work by assisting Karen in coaching high school girls basketball and boys volleyball in Nevada and California where she taught and coached. He successfully mentored and encouraged student athletes. He visited Shari and Joe and helped them attain successful careers. His skills as a father were exceptional. Orval worked two jobs, finished college in night school, and built a self-help Flanner House Home. He also served honorably in the Army National Guard.  No one worked harder.

Orval worked 26 years for Elanco (Eli Lilly & Co) in sales. His Illinois territory won the top sales award MAC (Management Club Award) numerous times.  He won many sales trips that took he and Connie to nice resorts.  One highlight was winning a trip to Super Bowl 22 in fabulous San Diego where we saw Doug Williams of the Washington Redskins come back to win against the Broncos in the second half. Wow! He escorted many customers to the Indianapolis 500, Pacer-Bulls games, many college and professional football games, and to fine dining. Orval had a great career making wonderful life-long friends. His problem was getting Connie to realize that he was working while she was relaxing and having fun. Orval was a home boy and he was known for traveling through storms to get home to family and a good pot of beans and cornbread.

Orval and family lived in St. Joseph, Michigan, Rochester, New York, and Dekalb, Illinois before spending 20 years in Bloomington, Illinois.  Orval and Connie returned to Indianapolis in 1996.

Orval and Connie enjoyed Friday date day, traveling, church related functions, gospel and classical music, and sports especially the Colts.  During their travels, they visited France, Spain, England and went on numerous fun cruises.  He enjoyed escaping the Winter months by traveling to the Tuscany Grand Vacation Club in Orlando, Florida.

Love abounds as Orval’s journey transitioned with his loving family by his side. Connie, soul mate of 60 years, daughters Karen and Shari, Pastor and son, Robert Harvey, were praying, singing, reading and quoting scripture, and most of all whispering their quiet words of praise, love, and gratitude. He received a very personal fatherhood message of love from his son, Joseph; Orval received personal heartfelt messages from his three grandsons, Corey, Joshua, and William each with a message of love and thanks for being a wonderful grandfather always helping and encouraging; Orval received a message from his one and only sister-in-law, Marlene VanDyke, who spoke a message of family love that her children and grandchildren had for their dear Uncle; he received a message from Cousin Charlie Johnson speaking of wonderful times spent each summer in Dayton, OH with him and his other cousins, William Johnson and Ejaye Tracey; daughter Minister April Barnes lovingly sang three of his favorite songs. At that very moment when all could feel peace and mercy, his eyes opened wide as if he was entering into the pearly gates of heaven.  God provided a glow that transformed his transition into a restful place.

With all the awards and plaques on his wall for his job-related work, the only certificate that truly meant anything to him was the one from the Parish Life Council that certified him as Minister at New Zion Community Church. Hallelujah!

Orval loved the Lord and he was devoted to caring for his family. He cared deeply for his wife and his three children. His heart belonged to his three grandchildren (Corey, Joshua, and William) whom he mentored, supported and loved. He loved his New Zion Community Church Family also under the caring leadership of his Pastor, Rev Robert Harvey.  Orval’s interests were always centered around the church, attending Tuesday noon Bible Study, mentoring to his God-given grandchildren, Joey and Jojo during choir rehearsal, visiting the sick and shut-in, reading and studying God’s Word, and most of all mentoring, and teaching.

Orval had a great sense of humor but when it came to God’s work, he was all business. He was active in starting and being a part of organizations that were meant to help someone move forward in their walk with Christ. Orval was a member of the Lay Chorus Indiana Conference.  He was New Zion’s Men’s Sunday School Class Teacher; Newcomers Class Teacher; started a Caregivers Organization; organized a Sharing and Caring Ministry; and Men’s Monthly Breakfast Meeting.

Orval leaves a legacy of love, hope, peace, calm, caring and sharing. He leaves a legacy of being a good and faithful servant and steward to God’s Family of believers. His hope is that his legacy will bear fruit and he hears God say, “Well Done.”

Orval leaves to cherish his legacy of life, his wife, Constance Brown,  his three children, Karen Brown, Shari (Jerry) Robbins, and Joseph “Joe” Brown; his three grandchildren, Corey Wilson, Joshua Wilson, William Wilson; his three generations of nieces and nephews; his cousins, Charlie (Bernice) Johnson, William (Juanita) Johnson, Ejaye Tracey, and Michael (Margaret) Brown.  He is also survived by special daughter, Minister April Barnes and special son, Pastor Robert Harvey.

Humbly Submitted with Love

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12:00 p.m., on Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at New Zion Community Church, 955 Oliver Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46221, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. Entombment to immediately follow at Crown Hill Cemetery.