David Brown Obituary (2025)

Pastor David J. Brown, age 76, entered into Glory on October 13, 2025, from his home in Yakima, Washington. David John Brown was born in Greely, Colorado on July 5, 1949, into the loving home of Dennis and Verda Brown. As church planters, the family resided there until David was two years old. His father then moved the family to Riverside, California, where he planted Riverside Baptist Temple. David loved growing up in Southern California, where some of his fondest memories were made. After his graduation in 1967, he moved with his parents to Yakima, WA, and worked alongside them to revitalize a small church plant, Yakima Bible Baptist Church. There he led music and worked with the youth. In 1969, while attending Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri, he answered his beloved country's call, and proudly served as a United States Marine. He unexpectedly received an honorable discharge just five days before he married the love of his life, Kay Wantland, on December 19th, 1970. David and Kay served at Yakima Bible Baptist Church for the entirety of their marriage. Here they raised nine children, who were the joy of his life and the light of his eyes. He loved life. He was a faithful husband and devoted father. The only delight greater than his children were his grandchildren. Pastor Brown had a tremendous love for children and young people. World missions and the church's bus ministry was his heartbeat. He also spoke at numerous camps during his ministry. As a result of his dedication, countless young people gave their lives to Christ, many going on to study at Pacific Coast Baptist Bible College, and later Heartland Baptist Bible College. Pastor Brown was selflessly dedicated to HBBC, where had the distinction of serving with the longest tenure as Vice President and on the Board of Directors - 30 years. Pastor Brown is survived by his loving wife, Kay, of 54 years. They were anticipating their 55th wedding anniversary on December 19. His surviving children are Colette Brown of California; Rochelle Carter and her husband, Josh, of Oklahoma; Carissa Herring and her husband, Nathan, of Idaho; Breanna Miller and her husband, Paul, of Montana; Alyson Brown-Moncure and her husband, Fraser, of California; Janae Riggs and her husband, Rich, of Washington; Caitlin Weiss and her husband, Allen, of Washington; and Jed Brown and his wife, Grace, of Texas. He was preceded in death earlier this year by his oldest son, Darrin, of California. Twenty-six--soon to be twenty-seven--grandchildren survive their proud and loving "Granddad." That Pastor Brown will be greatly missed is a gross understatement. He was loved, cherished, and appreciated by his family and church, and by his countless friends, as is so clearly expressed by fellow Pastor Bruce Turner: "Few men have had the influence that Dave Brown had in ministry. He was a pastor's pastor, an educator, a master church planter, and a friend to anyone who needed a friend. I had the honor of working side by side with him in our (GIBF) Fellowship and building of Heartland Baptist Bible College. He was quietly OUTSPOKEN regarding the need of spreading the Gospel. Many young men were the recipients of his counsel and financial help. Dave will be greatly missed. His legacy will be clear and enduring. Those who have known him will be stronger because of that relationship. Enjoy Heaven, my friend." Funeral service at Yakima Bible Baptist ~ 10:00AM Graveside ~ Tahoma Cemetery ~ 1:00PM The family is being cared for by Brookside Funeral Home. Memories and condolences can be shared on www.brooksidefuneral.com