STEPHEN EUGENE BROWN, age 60, of Lake Station, passed away, Thursday, January 10, 2013 at home. He was a lifelong area resident and a retired machinist. Stephen was a member of Sonrise Baptist Church. He used to love to bowl, play softball and go hunting. Stephen will be remembered as a true servant of the Lord and was an inspiration to all.

Stephen is survived by his wife of 30 years, Sharon (nee Johnson); 3 children, Jody (Lisa) Zeese of FL, Brandon (Meghan Bauer) Brown of Portage, Sarah (Randall) Cole of Merrillville; his harmonica buddy and the light and joy of his life, grandson, Noah Cole; sister, Joan (Jalil) Salim of Portage; many beloved nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Ruth Brown; grandparents, mother-in-law and father-in-law and many aunts and uncles.

A funeral service for Stephen will be Monday, January 14, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Brady Chapel with Pastor Clemon Chappell, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park. Visitation will be Sunday, January 13, 2013 from 2:00-8:00 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Brady Chapel, (219) 962-1606 or online at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.