Beloved Pastor Benjamine "Ben" Stewart Drown, 88, of Marion IN, formerly of Springbrook, WI passed into the glorious presence of his savior, Jesus, the Christ, on Thursday, September 29, 2022.

Ben was born to Francis Wilbur and Katherine Nell (Reynolds) Drown in Kimball, SD on October 01, 1934, the youngest of six children.

He married college sweetheart, Lois Marie Heavilin, on August 28, 1956, in Marion, IN. Together, the couple began serving various Wisconsin communities over the next 60 years. They nurtured 2 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, “Padre”, “Chief”, served as Pastor in the Wisconsin District of the Wesleyan 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; Hayward until he retired in 2017. Passionate about affecting the most Christlike 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?

Ben is survived by his wife Lois; sons Doug (Mary) & Michael (Heather); four grandchildren; one great grandchild; siblings Phyllis Stoetzel, Spring Arbor, MI and Dale Drown, of Omaha, NE.

He was preceded in death by his siblings Lee, Sarah Frances Heisler, Mary Merrill, and one child Joseph.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at Hayward Wesleyan Church. A private burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery.

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

Last Update: Oct 11, 2022 12:36 pm CDT