Joshua Alexander Brown

October 18, 1980 - January 22, 2019

Joshua Alexander Brown, 38, of Salem, Va., was taken too soon on Tuesday, January 22, 2019.

Josh was born, raised, and educated in Salem, and enjoyed playing football and lacrosse prior to graduating from Salem High School. He was also a graduate of Virginia Tech where he was a proud member of the German Club – go Hokies!!! He worked for the City of Salem for many years, and was a lifelong member and ordained deacon at Salem Presbyterian Church.

Preceding him in death was his paternal grandfather, Maxwell Brown; maternal grandmother, Martha Lee Gleixner; and mother, Lisa Brown.

His surviving family includes his father, Alex Brown; love of his life, April Blackburn; children, Violet and Dash; sister, Heather Diderich and husband, Chuck; paternal grandmother, Tootie Brown and husband, Mel; maternal grandfather, Henry Gleixner and wife, Barbara; aunts and uncles, Shelton Duffy and husband, Ritchie, Elizabeth Repass and husband, Mike, Gibson Brown and wife, Joanna, and Glenn Gleixner and wife, Lisa; and numerous loving cousins and friends.

Family members and friends may gather from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, January 25, 2019, in Salem Presbyterian Church’s Gresham Hall. A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 26, 2019, in the church’s sanctuary. Rev. Will Robinson and Rev. Janet Chisom will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to the Organization for Autism Research at 2000 North 14th Street – Suite 300 in Arlington, Va. 22201. Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.

Josh was well known for his warm, loving hugs. May his embrace be forever sensed by all who benefited from them.