Harley Dean Brown, aged 90, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, October 12, 2025, just one week after celebrating his 90th birthday with his family. He was born October 5,1935 to Peter and Faye Brown in Danforth, Illinois and was raised in the tiny farming community with his brother Wayne.
Harley graduated from Hope College where he met the love of his life, Phyllis Prins. He started his teaching career at Fremont High School, then earned a Master’s Degree in Vocal Music from Michigan State University.
He taught Vocal Music and English at West Ottawa High School and Middle School from 1964-1993. He started the singing group The Vocalaires and directed 18 musicals at WOHS.
Harley directed choirs at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp for ten years and directed The Blue Lake International Choir three times as they travelled throughout Europe.
He directed the choir and bell choir at Trinity Reformed Church for 25 years, where he also served on consistory, taught Sunday School, and was the Sunday School Superintendent.
In his retirement years, Harley was a docent for The Holland Museum for 25 years, enjoyed writing essays and poems and attending classes at HASP (Hope Association of Senior Professionals), and working on family genealogies. He also loved reading, gardening, flower arranging, and travel.
Harley and Phyllis were members of Third Reformed Church. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Phyllis, son Dean Brown, daughter Laurie and Paul Stears, and daughter Sue and Dan Brookhouse. He is predeceased by his son-in-law Jon Dekker and his daughter-in-law Kelly Brown. He is also survived by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren JulieAnne and Pete Kamps (Piper and Reid), Chad and Samantha Stears (Josie), Max and Kelsy Stears, Andrew and Kelly Brown, Patrick Brown, Griffin and Ashley Dekker (Clarke), and Tate Dekker.
A memorial service will be held at 4 pm Friday (October 17) at Third Reformed Church, 111 West 13th Street. Burial will be in Lakewood Cemetery. A memorial visitation will be 2-3:30 pm, prior to the service, at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to World Vision.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Royal Park Place in Zeeland and The Cortland Holland for their loving care and amazing service to both Harley and Phyllis.
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