Charles Richard "Brownie" Brown

Charles Richard Brown, also known to many as “Brownie”, passed away Saturday April 13, 2019 in IU Health - Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, IN. He was born on February 6, 1940 to Roy & Ethel (Farrell) Brown, the 3rd of 4 children.

He was a 1959 graduate of Walter P. Chrysler High School. Brownie was a barber for Varsity Barber Shop for 50 years. He was a former member of the Evening Optimist Club and an active member of the NRA. He, along with Phil Roberts, owned and operated Varsity Cycle Shop. In earlier years, he enjoyed riding motorcycles and, along with his family, loved to boat and ski. A devoted and proud grandfather to Halie and Hannah Vitali of their accomplishments in school, gymnastics and cheerleading.

He is survived by his wife of almost 58 years, Judy K. Laird Brown. Other survivors include a son, Scott R. Brown of Palm Bay, FL, a daughter, Tia D. Vitali (husband Mike) of Indianapolis, granddaughters, Halie and Hannah Vitali at Ball State, a sister, Mary Ford of Indianapolis, a brother in law, Tim Campbell of New Castle and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents Roy & Ethel Brown, twin grandsons, Adam & Tyler Vitali, brother and sister in law, James A. Brown and Nancy Brown, a sister, Judy Campbell, brother in law, Henry Ford, mother in law, Opal Crim and father in law, Max Laird.

Visitation will be held at Hinsey Brown Funeral Service in New Castle on Friday April 19th from 4-8 pm and services will be held Saturday April 20th at 11:00 with Rev. Charles Riggs officiating. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery, West Lawn Addition. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Lung Association, 115 W. Washington St., Suite 1180- South, Indianapolis, IN 46204; American Cancer Society, 5635 W. 96th St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46278 or Riley Children’s Hospital, 30 S. Meridian St., Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46204. You may express condolences or share a memory of Brownie at www.hinsey-brown.com .