David Mitchell Brown's Obituary
BROWN, David Mitchell, age 80, of Bellbrook, passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at Miami Valley Hospital-Main in Dayton. He was born on January 3, 1945, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Albert T. Brown and Hazel Brown (née Brewster).
David grew up with a strong love of learning that would shape his life’s work and passions. He graduated from Wapakoneta High School, class of ‘63. He earned his bachelor of science degree from Bowling Green State University, and later completed his master of science degree at Miami University in Oxford. In the summer of 1966, David met the love of his life, Lynn Kohlrieser, on a blind date. Their relationship grew into a lifelong partnership. They were married in 1970 and had one son, sharing 55 wonderful years together.
David began his teaching career at Allen East High School in Lafayette, where he taught from 1967 to 1969. He went on to dedicate 29 years to Kettering City Schools, beginning at Fairmont East High School and continuing at Fairmont High School following consolidation. Throughout his career, David taught chemistry and advanced chemistry courses and later served as a department chairman before retiring in 1998. He took great pride in his profession and in the lasting impact he had on generations of students.
Following retirement, David continued to enjoy staying active and connected to the community. He worked briefly at Walmart in the pharmacy and later at Mavericks Card and Comics in Kettering, combining part-time work with his lifelong love of baseball cards. He was also a founding member of the Bellbrook Optimist Club.
In his free time, David was a voracious reader, especially enjoying mystery and thriller novels. He loved working on jigsaw puzzles, often having two going at once, and could frequently be found browsing garage sales. Travel was another great joy, particularly cruising. Some of his favorite trips included cruises to Hawaii, Alaska, and through the Panama Canal. In celebration of their anniversary and a cherished bucket-list goal, David and Lynn traveled together to Iceland and Greenland.
David’s family often joked that his favorite sport was talking. He was outgoing, personable, easy to get along with, and known for his calm, steady nature. He loved striking up conversations wherever he went, and it was not uncommon for grandchildren to lose track of him during outings, only to hear, “He’s talking to someone!” Above all, David was family-oriented and deeply proud of his son and grandchildren.
One of David’s favorite traditions was decorating for every holiday, especially Christmas. From blow-up characters to lights covering the house, he fully embraced the joy of the season. He was also an avid supporter of his family’s activities, never missing his son’s school events and later attending countless soccer, softball, and lacrosse games, band concerts, and choir performances for his grandchildren. A devoted sports fan, David regularly attended Bellbrook High School sporting events and was a die-hard Ohio State Buckeyes fan who never missed a game on television. In life, David was most proud of his wife, son, and grandchildren, as well as his teaching career and the positive impact he had on his students. Among many things, David will be remembered for his love of learning, his dedication to education, his deep pride in his family, and his genuine ability to connect with everyone he met.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Hazel Brown; his brother, Albert Brown II; an infant sister; brother-in-law, Paul Griesemer; and a friend who was more like family, Steve Googash. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Lynn; his son, Adam Brown; two grandchildren, Adella and Landon Brown; his sister-in-law, Linda Brown; his in-laws—often affectionately referred to as the “outlaws”—Dale (Nancy) Kohlreiser, John (Shelley) Kohlrieser, Janet Dingledine, and Donna (Bill) Scheible; multiple nieces and nephews; family of their heart, Frank (Jane) Monturo, Chris (Sharon) Griggs, and Susan Googash; as well as many other friends and extended family.
A celebration of life service will be held at 12 pm on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Conner & Koch Funeral Home in Bellbrook, with family receiving friends from 11 am until 12 pm the day of the service. David was often seen wearing tennis shoes along with Ohio State or Bellbrook colors. To honor his personal style, guests are encouraged to wear tennis shoes and the colors or jerseys of their favorite team. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bellbrook Sugarcreek Educational Foundation, SICSA, or a charity of their choice. Condolences may be shared at https://www.connerandkoch.com.
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