Brown Funeral Home

11/19/2025

John Irwin, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, firefighter, and former owner of Irwin Fire Equipment, passed away surrounded by the family he loved so deeply. His life was one defined by service, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to his community. Born August 3, 1960, in Greenfield, Ohio, John was raised in Wilmington and New Vienna, where he developed the values, work ethic, and loyalty that shaped the rest of his life. He is survived by his devoted wife, Connie Irwin, and his children: Dustin Irwin, Jr. Irwin, Timothy (Erica) Smith, Misty Irwin, and Cristy (Randy) Bolin; a sister, Jana Irwin and he also leaves behind several nieces and nephews who adored him along with many close friends and relatives. John was a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren - Wyatt, Mason and Adelyn Irwin, Bradley, Nora and Olivia Smith, Charlie Bolin, and Daniel and Kaitlyn Spence - and a cherished great-grandfather to Jordan and Jasper. Being "Papaw" was one of his greatest joys, and his love for his grandchildren was immeasurable. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Louise Irwin and Robert Lee Irwin, as well as his daughter, Jonda Irwin, whom he now joins an eternal rest. John dedicated more than 45 years to fire service, faithfully serving his community with courage, integrity, and compassion. He proudly served as a long time board member of the Southern Ohio Fire and EMS School, helping train, support, and guide generations of firefighters. His fellow firefighters were his second family and the firehouse was a place where he mentored countless others, passed down wisdom, and built lifelong friendships. In recognition of his decades of service, John will receive full firefighter funeral honors, a tribute befitting his lifelong commitment to protecting others. Beyond fire service, John was the former owner of Irwin Fire Equipment, where he poured his heart into building a business rooted in honesty, reliability, and care for the people and organizations he served. His legacy continues through the family who proudly carries on his name, his work, and the values he instilled. John Irwin leaves behind a legacy of strength, humility, and love - a legacy that will live on in his family, his brothers and sisters in fire service, and in the the community he dedicated his life to protecting. Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at Dove Church, 1499 Rombach Ave., in Wilmington. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Monday November 24, 2025 at the church. Burial will be in the New Vienna I.O.O.F. Cemetery. To leave on-line condolences, please visit www.arehart-brown.com or visit our page, Brown Funeral Home. Brown Funeral Home, Wilmington, is serving the family.

11/18/2025

Gary Lee Newbry, age 84, of Wilmington passed away at his residence Monday, November 17, 2025. He was born September 15, 1941 in Highland, Ohio, the son of the late Kenneth and Mildred (Huff) Newbry and was a 1959 graduate of Little Miami High School. Gary had worked in the gear manufacturing industry his whole professional life and had owned and operated Regal Gear in Wilmington. He was a member of the Wilmington Elks Lodge and enjoyed gambling and golfing. Gary was an avid Reds and Buckeye fan who especially loved his family. He is survived by his two sons, Jeff (Patty) Newbry and Mark Newbry; grandchildren, Ashley Wilt, Trudy (Todd) Barnett, Amber (Larry) Newbry, Jennifer (Nick) Newbry, Travis (Ashley) Newbry, Dakota Newbry, Branson (Jaiden) Newbry, and Anthony (Emily) Newbry; a sister, Suzanne (Frank) Pergrem; brother-in-law, Dale Bost; and numerous great-grandchildren. Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Mildred Newbry; his loving wife, Charlotte (Bost) Newbry; and his son, Michael Newbry. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 21, 2025 at Brown Funeral Home, Wilmington. Visitation will begin at 12:00 noon until service begins at 2:00 at the funeral home. To leave on-line condolences, please visit www.arehart-brown.com or see our page, Brown Funeral Home.

11/15/2025

It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of Betty J. Achtermann, who passed November 9, 2025 at the age of 90. Betty was born August 21, 1935 to the late Paul and Dorothy Cochran. She was also preceded in death by her loving husband, Sam Achtermann; a brother, Philip Cochran; two sisters-in-law, Betty Ruth and Evelyn Cochran. Also preceding Betty was her great granddaughter, Ana Achtermann. Betty is survived by three sons, Dale (Debbie), Duane (Judy), and David (Shannon); her grandchildren, Brent (Kat) Achtermann, Greg (Kristina) Achtermann, Keith (Britny) Achtermann, Brooke (Lanny) Jones, Brad (Caitlyn) Achtermann, Brian (Renee) Achtermann, Sarah (Nick) Compton, Samantha Achtermann and Luke Achtermann; great-grandchildren, Elaina, Abby, Gregary and Ava Achtermann, Levi, Audrey and Nolan Jones, Adalynn and Morgan Achtermann and Harper Compton; brothers, Pete Cochran, Harold (Lina) Cochran and Donald (Doris) Cochran; sister-in-law, Betty Sue Cochran; and many nieces and nephews. Betty was a member of the New Antioch Church of Christ for many years where she enjoyed singing and teaching vacation Bible school. Betty loved living on the farm. She enjoyed cooking and baking. She mostly enjoyed spending time outdoors, working in the garden, (which she canned most everything) and planting her flowers. She enjoyed big family dinners and the vacations she and Sam spent together. Betty also loved spending time with her brothers and sisters-in-law. She will be missed by all. A Celebration of Life for Betty will be held at the New Antioch Church of Christ on Saturday, November 22 at 2:00 p.m.. Minister Mike Labig will officiate. A private burial will be held later at the convenience of the family. Brown Funeral Home, Wilmington, is assisting the family. To leave on-line condolences, please visit www.arehart-brown.com or visit our page, Brown Funeral Home.

11/14/2025

David Everett Earley, age 68, of Sabina, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, November 14, 2025 after a brief illness. He was born March 6, 1957 in Wilmington, the son of Dewey Everett and Norma Jean (Huffman) Earley. David had a passion for collecting memorabilia and was an avid sports fan. Above all, he loved his family and his pet dog, Bella, very much. He will be deeply missed. Those left to cherish his memory are his parents, Dewey and Norma Jean Earley of Sabina; daughter, Michelle Earley; two sisters, Janice (Joel Plotner) Hidy of Martinsville and Joy (Tony) Whitworth of Washington C.H.; and many nieces and nephews. David was preceded in death by his brother, Chris Earley; brother-in-law, Bill Hidy and a nephew, Justin Earley. All services will be private and held at the convenience of the family. Brown Funeral Home, Wilmington, is assisting the family. To leave on-line condolences, please visit www.arehart-brown.com or our page, Brown Funeral Home.

11/10/2025

This Veterans Day we gratefully extend our sincerest gratitude to those who have served our great nation, not only today, but every day, with honor, sacrifice, and protection of our flag, country, citizens, and freedoms. May God bless each of you, past and present. Thank you. - Kevin & Billy

11/10/2025

Sharon Louise McCandless, (known by many as "Nanny"), age 79, of Wilmington, passed away Friday, November 7, 2025, after a very short stay in Bethesda North Hospital after a very brave battle with chronic illnesses. She was born January 7, 1946, in Wilmington, the daughter of the late Harold Eugene and Betty Jean (Vanscoy) Wade. Sharon graduated from Wilmington High School in 1964, she had worked at International Paper for 25 years until her retirement. Anyone that knew "Nanny" knew that she enjoyed crafts, reading, and was a true crime fan. More than anything, she adored her family and loved spending time with them. Sharon is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, William McCandless, to whom she married August 7, 1965 in Wilmington; children, Jennifer (Darrin "Dave "DeWeese) Floyd, James "Jimmy" (LaVonne) McCandless, and Jeanell (Mark "Melvin" McConnaughey) Knauff; grandchildren, Samantha Floyd, Jamie (Kurtis) Boggs, Justen Floyd, Kristen (Bryan) Jeffers, Sierra Knauff, Jarrett Knauff, Maegan (Chris "Drew") Taylor, and James Knauff; sister Emily Jean (Paul) Brown; son-in-law Robert Knauff; and several great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and fronds. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, William Dean Wade and Harold Gene Wade; sister Jewell Arlene Arnold; nephew Sean Arnold; and brother-in-law William Arnold. The family is planning a time to celebrate Sharon's life; the time and date will be announced. Brown Funeral Home, Wilmington, is assisting the family. To leave an on-line condolence, please visit www.arehart-brown.com, or see our page, Brown Funeral Home.

11/10/2025

Melissa Marie Pennywitt, age 53, of Wilmington, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the home of her sister in Springfield, Ohio. She was born November 17, 1971, in Springfield, the daughter of Deena Sample and William Pennywitt. Melissa enjoyed “antiquing,” looking for and shopping through flea markets and antique shops. She also enjoyed working in her yard, tending to her flowers, planting, and caring for trees and shrubs. But most of all, she loved spending time with family, and was anxiously awaiting the birth of her granddaughter Eliza Marie. Melissa is survived by her mother Deena Rousch of Springfield; son Dustin (Shelby) Baird of New Carlisle; daughter Kayley (Andrew) Mathews of Sabina; granddaughter on-the-way Eliza Marie Mathews; sisters Billie Jo Pennywitt of Springfield and Amy (Greg) Salyers-Reine of Florida; and her longtime companion and best friend Brian Martin of Wilmington. Melissa is preceded in death by her father William Pennywitt. A Celebration of Melissa’s Life will be held 7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 13, 2025 at Brown Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Thursday from 5:00 p.m. until the time of service at 7:00 p.m. To leave an on-line condolence, please visit www.arehart-brown.com, or see our page, Brown Funeral Home

11/02/2025

David Max Pinkerton, age 79, of New Vienna, passed away Friday, October 31, 2025, at his home with family by his side. He was born January 2, 1946, at home in Martinsville, Ohio, the son of the late Forrest and Mary (Knisley) Pinkerton. David was born the youngest of 13 children. In his younger days, he loved to fish and hunt. David had worked as a Tree Trimmer for more than 35 years, he started working with Karl Kuemmerling, and continued with several other tree surgeon companies. He then worked at Airborne Express from 1997 through 2008. The sisters-in-law envied the flower beds. They were always asking for starts from his plants. He had big sun flowers for the birds which he enjoyed watching on the many bird feeders he handcrafted in wood. He also liked wood working. He made log cabins, dove tail boxes, window trims and shelves. He was also a fan of NASCAR and watched races on the weekends. He attended other races locally as well. He was a big fan of Dale Earnhart. He loved going to Derbies with his grandson. He enjoyed country music and Elvis back in the day. He also had a way with animals, his pets seemed to understand him and do whatever he asked of them, and most knew of the unusual names he had for his pets. David was an avid reader, especially enjoying historical and books written by Louis L’Amour. He was a great storyteller, (like his brother Walter), and had a great sense of humor, seemingly able to make everyone around him smile. He will be deeply missed. David is survived by his wife Janet (Hilterbran) Pinkerton, to whom he married August 7, 1965; daughter Rebecca Pinkerton Souther of New Vienna; son Brian (Liz Taylor) Pinkerton of New Vienna; grandchildren, Jamie McGraw of New Vienna, Hayden (Jordan) Allemang of Bowling Green, Ohio, Brian (Kelly) Pinkerton, Jr. of Wilmington, and Brandon (Corey Weiner) Pinkerton of New Vienna; great grandchildren, Troy (Alana Purdon) Wilson, Paisley Pinkerton, Colton Pinkerton, Wesley Pinkerton, Eddie Troxell, Makenzy Weiner, Jayden Murphy, Bryson Lamb, and Ensley Pinkerton; siblings, Mary Ledford of New Vienna, Brenda Cook of Colorado, Burch (Pat) Pinkerton of Colorado, Wayne (Betty) Pinkerton of Texas, Billy (Paulette) Pinkerton of Springfield, Ohio, and Paul (Virginia) Pinkerton of Cedarville, Ohio; several nieces and nephews; and many friends. In addition to his parents, David is preceded in death by son David Max Pinkerton, Jr.; grandson Joshua David Allemang; daughter-in-law Samantha Pinkerton; siblings, Ruthanna Huff, Harold Pinkerton, Donna Drake, Walter Pinkerton, Charles Pinkerton, Georgetta Vance, and James Pinkerton; and his longtime dog Rastis. Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 7, 2025, at the New Vienna Church of Christ. Royce Lowe will officiate. Burial will follow in the New Vienna I.O.O.F. Cemetery. Visitation will be held 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the New Vienna Church of Christ. Brown Funeral Home, Wilmington, is assisting the family. To leave an on-line condolence please visit www.arehart-brown.com, or see our page, Brown Funeral Home.

10/21/2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Patricia E. McDaniel, who departed this life peacefully at the age of 80. Born on May 31, 1945, Patricia was a devoted mother, loving grandmother, sister, and friend. Her unwavering love, strength, and kindness touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Patricia will be remembered for her strength and resilience throughout her life.

Patricia was the proud mother of three daughters: Rhonda McDaniel, Holly Mapes, and Casey McDaniel. Her two granddaughters, Caley Mapes and Lea Mapes, were the light of her life and brought her endless pride and joy.

She is survived by her brother, William (Bill) Anderson, and was preceded in death by her siblings Annie Taulbie, Barbara Lawson, Katie Tumbleson and Richard Anderson. Patricia is also preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Marjorie Anderson, her husband Mackie McDaniel, and her best friend David McKay.

She worked at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles in Wilmington, Ohio as a bartender for over 35 years. The Eagles was more than just a workplace to her-it was a second home, and her customers were like extended family.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date to raise a toast with Miller Lite, of course, to honor her memory.

In lieu of flowers, and in keeping with her deep love for animals, the family kindly asks that any donations be made in her name to PAWS Animal Shelter in Wilmington, Ohio.

Brown Funeral Home, Wilmington, is assisting the family. To leave on-line condolences please visit www.arehart-brown.com or visit our page, Brown Funeral Home.

10/14/2025

A bright and beautiful soul left this earth on Monday, October 13, 2025. Ronald (RJ) Davis, age 24, was called home, leaving behind many loving family members and friends who will forever carry his memory in their hearts.
RJ had a radiant spirit and found it easy to love. His smile could fill a room, and his playful nature brought joy to everyone lucky enough to know him. He loved his family, his friends, and his loyal dog Baxter with all his heart.
RJ had a deep love for the outdoors — whether he was fishing, hunting, or simply enjoying nature’s quiet beauty. He also had a talent for cooking and delighted in bringing smiles to those around him with his meals and his laughter.
Charming, kind, and full of life, RJ was always ready with a grin, a laugh, or a hug. He never left without saying, “I love you.” That love is what those who knew him will remember most.
RJ took great pride in his work installing solar panels and building fences, and he was talented in many trades. His work ethic, humor, and big heart made him unforgettable.
He will be incredibly missed and forever loved — a shining light that will never fade from the hearts of those who knew him. A "Celebration of Life" for RJ will be held at the Roberts Centre, 123 Gano Road, Wilmington, Ohio 45177, Ballroom C, Monday October 20, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Memorial services will begin at 6:00 p.m. with fellowship to follow.
Brown Funeral Home, Wilmington, is assisting the family. To leave on-line condolences, please visit www.arehart-brown.com or visit our page, Brown Funeral Home.

10/14/2025

10/13/2025

Employee of the Month

I was just informed by Billy that he had been nominated "Employee of the Month". The nomination process is done by myself and Billy, and I didn't nominate him.......so i am not sure who did. The vote on that nomination was 1 vote for, and 1 vote abstained, (I abstained)................so, Billy is in fact "Employee of the Month". Join with me in congratulating Billy as Employee of the Month. He will receive a gift card of my choice for this great honor. I have added a current picture of Billy, and one of him during his football playing days