Dr. Richard Leland Brown passed into the arms of his Lord and Savior on May 30, 2026, at 4:45 p.m.

Richard was born on September 13, 1940, in Madera, California, to Hoyt Brown and Mable Summers Brown. He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Charlotte Novak-Brown; their daughter, Ashleigh Merlo, son-in-law Ben Merlo, and their daughters, Hannah, Hayley, and Krystin; their son, Blake Brown, daughter-in-law Sara Brown, and their children, Keira and Conner; his brother, Ron Brown; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Richard was preceded in death by his son, Bobby Brown; his brother, Jimmy Brown; and his parents.

Richard proudly served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. He graduated from Madera High School and went on to earn both his bachelor's and master's degrees from California State University, Fresno, followed by a doctorate from the University of Santa Barbara.

For 35 years, Richard devoted his professional life to serving children and families as a school psychologist and Director of Psychological Services. He also demonstrated exceptional leadership through his service as President of the Board of Directors for Montessori Schools and Comprehensive Youth Services, and as a board member of Destination Wealth Management in Walnut Creek, California.

A man of deep faith and compassion, Richard served as a Police Chaplain and spent countless hours reading to elementary school children, teaching lessons of kindness, inclusion, and understanding. He faithfully taught in the high school ministry at Peoples Church for many years and organized a weekly men's basketball fellowship where the Gospel message was shared before each game.

Richard was also a professor of psychology at Fresno Pacific University, where he played an instrumental role in developing the School Psychology Program and mentoring future generations of educators and psychologists.

Richard's greatest joy was his family, and his greatest purpose was serving others. His wisdom, generosity, faith, and unwavering commitment to helping people left an enduring impact on all who knew him.

He was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, former students, and the many lives he touched throughout his lifetime.