PASTOR BENJAMINE "BEN" STEWART DROWN

October 1, 1934 - September 29, 2022

Posted

Beloved Pastor Benjamine “Ben” Stewart Drown, 88, passed into the glorious presence of his Savior, Jesus, the Christ, on Thursday, September 29, 2022, from Marion, Indiana. He was born to Francis Wilbur and Katherine Nell (Reynolds) in Kimball, South Dakota, on October 1, 1934, the youngest of six children. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Lee, Sarah Frances Heisler, Mary Merrill, and one child, Joseph. He is survived by his siblings, Phyllis Stoetzel of Spring Arbor, Michigan, and Dale Drown of Omaha, Nebraska.

Ben married his college sweetheart, Lois Marie (Heavilin), on August 28, 1956, in Marion, Indiana. Together, the couple began serving various Wisconsin communities over the next 60 years. They nurtured two children, Douglas (Mary) and Michael (Heather). They relish their four grandchildren, Ryan, Matthew, and Sara, and Jason. Matthew and Jaima gave them their precious great-grandchild, Nolan. In addition, Ben was an attentive, caring, and sought-after uncle, friend, and confidant to countless other relatives.

From 1957, Ben (aka “Padre” and “Chief”) served as Pastor in the Wisconsin District of the Wes-leyan Church for 60 years (to his continuing amazement and astonishment)--Beulah Wesleyan Methodist in Gillingham, WI; Woodland Wesleyan Methodist in Danbury; Burr/Valley/Hillsboro; Our Savior’s in Mukwonago; Darrow Road in Superior, where he retired from full time ministry; and Hayward until he retired in 2017. Passionate about affecting the most Christ-like growth in individuals, Ben mentored hundreds of new ministers, partnered with many to help sustain them in ministry, used ANY way to connect with people, and thus connect them with Jesus, including golfers, Paint Daubers, hunting parties, and school bus riders. He volunteered with the Community Service Club of Hillsboro, Greater Hayward Area Ministerial Association, Salvation Army, and Northwoods New Life Resource Center. Among his various recognitions, Hillsboro honored him as Citizen of the Year in 1982. How many will step up to continue his legacy in the many ministries and services he championed?

The family will receive visitors from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at Brookhaven Wesleyan Church, 2960 E. 38th St., Marion, IN.

Immediately following the time of visitation, a funeral service to celebrate Ben’s life will begin at 2:00 pm. Michele Henry will be officiating. Burial will take place at a later date in Wisconsin.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.

You may honor and enjoin continued service by sending monetary gifts on behalf of Pastor Ben to Global Partners, 13300 Olio Rd., Ste. 400, Fishers, IN 46037.

Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.

Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service