Samuel D. "Sam" Brown, 71, of Van Wert, passed away at 6:25 p.m., Tuesday at the CHP Inpatient Hospice Center. He was born on December 9, 1943, in Neosho, Missouri, the son of the late William S. and E. Gladys Brown. He is also preceded in death by a brother, Charles H. Brown and a sister, Martha Baker Chapin. Family members include his children, Jae (James) McCullough of Colorado Springs, CO, Shawn (Jon) Barrett of Colorado Springs, CO, Patti Brown of Rock Springs, WY, Justin (Katie Helmke) Brown of Ohio City, and Serena Renner of Ohio City; one sister, Margaret "Peg" (Jim) Wiseman of Van Wert; twelve grandchildren; and 18 great grandchildren. Sam attended Van Wert High School and was a sergeant in the U.S. Army. He was custodian at Crestview Schools for 20 years. He attended the Salvation Army. A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m., Friday, August 14, 2015, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home with Pastor Bud Walls officiating. There will be calling hours Friday, 1 - 5 p.m. Preferred memorials are to the CHP Inpatient Hospice Center.