Roger Brown

Roger L. Brown, age 79, went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 7, 2026. Born in Muskegon, Michigan, on January 31, 1947, Roger was the son of Mitchell and Marjorie (Ludlam) Brown and brother to David Brown, all of whom preceded him in death. After graduating from Muskegon Heights High School in 1965, he attended Western Michigan University, where he minored in Math, History and Education. In October of 1969, he married Esther Groeneveld, to whom he was devoted for 53 years until her passing. Also in 1969, Roger enlisted in the United States Air Force, honorably serving his country until 1972 and earning the rank of Sargent. Upon returning from the service, Roger began a distinguished forty-year teaching career, starting at Mattawan Middle School and concluding at Davenport University, from which he retired in 2015. A lifelong learner, he earned a Bachelor's and Master's degree, as well as an Associate Degree in Accounting.

Roger was a dedicated father to his daughter, Kimberly Griffin, and a proud grandfather to Gavin, Korbin, and Lily. He was a constant presence at their school and sporting events. His passion for baseball led to a forty-year career as a Little League umpire, eventually serving as Umpire in Chief of Michigan District 2. Highlights of his officiating career included state and regional tournaments and the Senior Boys World Series in Bangor, Maine. He retired in 2018.

In his personal life, Roger enjoyed reading, playing cribbage and watching movies and playing cards with friends. He was a devoted member of Calvary Bible Church, where he served as the MC of the Wisdom Disciple's Sunday School, participated in the church council, and attended weekly men's fellowship breakfasts. He lived by the words of 1 Thessalonians 5:18: "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 13 , from 4 to7 PM at Langeland Family Funeral Home 3926 S. 9th St. Kalamazoo, MI 49009. The funeral service will be on Thursday, May 14, at 11 AM At Calvary Bible Church 855 S. Drake Rd. Kalamazoo, MI 49009 with a luncheon to follow. Roger will be laid to rest beside Esther during a private family ceremony at Ft. Custer National Cemetery where he will receive full military honors.

Please visit Roger's memorial webpage to share condolences and memories with his family at https://www.Langelands.com