Mark Brown, 40, of Columbus, died Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 6, at 1C – The Sanctuary Church in Columbus. Visitation is from 9 a.m. Friday until service time at the church. Mark will be laid to rest in Alliance, Nebraska.
Memorials may be sent to the family for designation to youth programs in Columbus and Mark’s sons’ education.
Mark Patrick Brown was born March 12, 1984 in Columbus to Bob and Cheri (Reed) Brown. He was warmly welcomed home by his sisters, Kerri and Kristi. Mark grew up in Broken Bow, where he enjoyed the quintessential small-town childhood as the son of educators. He spent his youth running through the small-town streets with his best friends by his side and a ball in tow. His days were filled with chasing footballs in the backyard, hunting and golfing with his dad, and being lovingly cared for by his mom and sisters. Some of Mark's favorite childhood memories were visits to Alliance, where he spent time with his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Mark graduated from Broken Bow High School in 2002. He excelled as a student and athlete, participating in football, basketball, track, and golf. Mark was a talented artist, enjoyed singing, and was actively involved in his community and school clubs. Proud accomplishments include being class president and being chosen to play in the Nebraska Shrine Bowl and Western Nebraska All-Star football games.
Mark's faith grew strong and became an important part of his life. After graduating high school, Mark attended Concordia University, majoring in art education and playing football. He later transferred to the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where he earned his degree in education. Some of Mark's most impactful experiences and closest mentorships were formed while managing the UNK Loper football team and coaching the Kearney High School Bearcat football team during his college years.
During his last semester of college, Mark met his future wife, Amy, and they moved to Columbus in 2008. Mark and Amy were married that year on Dec. 6, 2008. Columbus became the perfect place to raise their two sons, Bryce (14) and Ryker (10). Mark found great joy in serving the youth of Columbus through education and coaching, especially Bryce and Ryker.
Mark began his career at Columbus High School, where he served as a physical education teacher and coached football and golf. In 2012, he took on the role of Activities Director. The following year, in December 2013, Mark earned his master’s degree in education administration alongside his close friend. Throughout his career, he held various leadership roles, including vice president of the Nebraska Athletic Administrators Association, co-founder of Hilltoppers Jr. Golf, and board member of Sammy’s Superheroes Foundation. He was also a member of the Elks and participated in Sertoma.
In 2016, Mark formally retired from education due to ongoing health challenges, though he stayed committed to his passion for education and mentorship. Mark contributed as a CPS school board member, assistant golf coach, and defensive coordinator for the Discoverer football team. Mark’s passion was to live, coach, and educate through "The Discoverer Way", a foundation for excellence that he created while Activities Director.
Mark passed away on Aug. 31 after a tenacious battle with cancer. Through his treatment, his incredible care teams became family. He will be remembered as a quiet soul with an unwavering foundation. Those who knew Mark best could often find him in his purest form—engaged in direct and meaningful conversation during a film session, halftime speech, or late-night chat.
Mark is survived by his wife and sons, Amy Brown, Bryce and Ryker of Columbus; mother, Cheri Brown of Omaha; sister, Kerri Mason and Bo Corbitt of Denver, Colorado and children Jack, Maddie and Rhys; sister and brother-in-law, Kristi and Kevin Ahlers of Yutan; father and mother-in-law: Troy and Shelly Harder of Crofton; brother and sister-in-law: Joey and Kari Baldwin of Gretna and children Chase and Hunter; aunts and uncles, Gwen Brown of Grand Island, Karen Brown of Alliance, Kim Dankers of Pleasant Dale, Scott (Sonja) Reed of Columbus, Ohio; many family, friends, fellow coaches, players and students
Mark is preceded in death by his father, Bob Brown; infant siblings, Elizabeth and David; grandparents: Neil and Arlene Brown and Keith and Margie Reed; uncles Dick Brown, Don Brown and Harlan Dankers; friend, Zane Harvey and any other loved ones.
Condolences may be directed to www.mckownfuneralhome.com
