Wavel Brown, age 87, of Shelby, died unexpectedly on Monday, September 22, 2025 at his home.
Wavel was born on December 14, 1937 to the late Holley and Mattie (Wallace) Brown, Sr. On his 26th birthday, Wavel married Irene Sue Landis and together they celebrated nearly 62 years of marriage. He spent most of his working career in Shelby while working for the Water Department, mainly as a truck driver, until his retirement in 1993.
Whether hunting deer and coon or fishing in various locations, Wavel enjoyed his time outdoors. He was a member of the Richland County Coon Hunters Club and the Crawford County Coon Hunters and Sportsman Club. Wavel shared a love for gardening with his wife and his children. For many years, he looked forward to his daily “morning meetings” with his brother, Junior, to grab a cup of coffee at McDonald’s. Wavel loved his family fiercely and enjoyed simply being together. He was a member of the Highest Praise Church in Shelby.
Wavel is survived by his wife, Irene; children: Steven Brown (Chrissi Golden) of Marion, Roscoe Brown of Marion, Russell Brown (Jerri Durr) of Shelby, Brad Brown of Shelby, and Olivia (Scott) MacDonald of New Carlisle; grandchildren: Jeremiah (Susan) Lough, Russell D. Brown, Cade M. Brown (Chevi Wooldridge), Lucy MacDonald, Lilah MacDonald, Lydia MacDonald, and Landis MacDonald; great grandchildren: Bella, Gabe, Vincent, Huxson, Addi, and Cayson; siblings: Granville (Luena) Brown, Bonnie Helterbrand, and Darrell (Donna) Brown; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Wavel was preceded in death by his great-grandson: Nolen Brown; and siblings: Gwen Reed, Holly “Junior” Brown Jr., Lillian Brown, Linvel Brown.
Family and friends are welcome on Sunday, September 28, 2025 from 2-5 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral service will be held on Monday, September 29, 2025 at 1 PM. Pastor Sharon Kilgore will officiate the services with burial following in Little London Cemetery, Shelby.
Condolences may be left on Wavel’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).