Cory Brown

Although he was taken from his loved ones much too soon, the impact Cory Brown made in the lives of everyone he met was no less significant. He loved music, horseback riding, and being read to, but there was nothing that made him happier than being surrounded by the people who loved him so. A beloved son and brother, the Brown family was an active bunch who experienced so many of the best things life has to offer. However, what made these experiences so extraordinary was sharing them together. Life will never be the same without Cory here, but the lives of so many will be forever changed for the better because of his love.

The 1990s were a decade unlike any other. After the vibrant decade of the 1980s, our innovative momentum was really gaining speed. It was during the 1990s that we were introduced to the world wide web, and with that the way we shopped, the way we remained aware of what was going on in the world around us, and the way we communicated was never the same. It was just after the Internet took the world by storm that Paul Allen and Becky Leoma (Baker) Brown were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as the weather turned cooler in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in November of 1993. Their wait was over when the baby boy they named Cory Allen was born on November 3rd. He was one of two children in his family as he was raised alongside his sister, Claire.

In everything they did, Cory’s parents wanted nothing more than to provide Cory with a normal life. This meant that everything the family did, Cory did also. He attended a countless number of Claire’s dance competitions and recitals to support her. There was a memorable trip to Discovery Cove in Florida where Cory had the time of his life swimming with the dolphins. They also took two trips to Disney World when he was nine and 14 years of age, and while there they were treated like royalty.

For his life as a student, Cory attended local schools. His high school years found him at East Noble High School. Cory loved going to to all the East Noble High School athletic events where he reacted to all the cheers and crowd noise with smiles and squeals. He just loved people, and although people could be initially unsure of how to approach him, once his parents gave people the green light to engage with Cory it was an enriching experience for everyone. Cory went on to graduate from high school in 2016.

Throughout his life Cory had limitations, but that never diminished his contagious zest for life. He was expressive and reactive to the people and experiences around him, and his fun-loving spirit was easy to see. Cory loved things like music, his horseback riding for therapy, and traveling, but when at home he treasured the companionship of the family dog, Chester. They were best buddies, and without Cory home Chester always seems lost. Cory also loved time with his Grandpa Dave. He especially loved it when his grandpa sang to him, and when he asked, “Do you wanna wrestle?” Cory always smiled from ear to ear. Wheel of Fortune was a hit with Cory as he always squealed with the noise the wheel made while it was spinning. The simple act of being read to was something Cory enjoyed, and he also loved to sing the hymns in church.

Everyone who knew Cory Brown could see someone who had limitations, but just like his family and loved ones it was easy to see that these limitations were anything but liabilities. He lived life to the fullest and enjoyed so many of the same things we all enjoy. When Cory loved, he loved with his whole heart, and his expressive nature and outgoing personality were magnetic. He enjoyed the simple touch of others, and he continually communicated in his own way. Deeply loved, Cory will be forever missed.

Cory Allen Brown, passed away Wednesday, January 4, 2017. Cory’s family includes his parents, Paul and Becky Brown of Kendallville; sister, Claire Brown of Kendallville and currently attending Indiana University; maternal grandparents, Dave and Jean Baker of Kendallville; paternal grandmother, Billie Brown of Kendallville; aunts and uncles: Jay and Karen Brown of Kendallville, Brad and Charna Baker of Kendallville, Barb and Eric Burkhardt of Ney, Ohio, Brian and Doris Baker of Kendallville, Beth and Noah Miller of Columbia, South Carolina; Brenda and Mike Jansen of Kendallville; and many cousins and beloved friends. Cory was preceded in death by his grandfather, Edward J. Brown, who died April 23, 2012. Funeral services for Cory will be Monday, January 9, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Church United Methodist in Kendallville with visitation one hour before the service. Visitation will also be held Sunday, January 8, 2017, from 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville. Burial will take place at Lake View Cemetery in Kendallville following the funeral service. Memorial donations may be made to the Noble County Community Foundation, The Cory A. Brown Memorial Fund, to benefit special needs children of Noble County. Arrangements for Cory have been entrusted to Hite Funeral Home of Kendallville. Share a memory or send a condolence online at www.hitefuneralhome.com