Rev. Dr. Brian Q. Newcomb

NEWCOMB, Rev. Dr. Brian Q., age 67, of Centerville, passed away Monday, April 15, 2024. 
Brian was born January 3, 1957 in Connersville, IN to Rev. Paul Eugene and Ina Lee (Smith) Newcomb. A graduate of Houghton College in New York, he attended seminary at Bethel University in St. Paul, MN. Brian received his Doctorate of Ministry at Eden Seminary in St. Louis, MO. During his 40 years of ordained ministry in the United Church of Christ, Brian served congregations in St. Louis for 25 years, most recently, Christ Church in Maplewood, MO. Brian joined David’s United Church of Christ in Kettering in 2008 where he has served as Sr. Pastor for over 15 years. Brian’s life work was preaching the ‘one sermon’, repackaged each week, that is always about Love. 

He was friend to the stranger, ally to the vulnerable, foe to the abuser, quick with a smile, deep with his laughter, and a huge fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. In addition to his prodigious gifts as pastor, teacher and theologian, Brian was a rock fan, rock critic and rock connoisseur. As a Music Journalist since the early ‘80s his hundreds of published articles and critical reviews appeared in CCM Magazine, Billboard, Paste, the Riverfront Times, where he had a weekly column in the 90s, the St. Louis Post Dispatch, in addition to serving as Editor of Harvest Rock Syndicate during the late 80s/early 90s. 

Brian was a consumer and admirer of all things beautiful to behold; collector of meaningful experiences and interpreter of cultural conscience. He and Susan loved to travel, visit museums, take in live theatre, explore new places throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. A kid at heart, he frequented Disney World with his kids and grandkids. Brian was a kind and accepting soul who will be missed by all who knew and loved him. 

He is preceded in death by his father, Paul. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 37 years, Susan Newcomb; children, Jacob (Krista Isaacs) Quincy, Carly (Andrew) Hansen, and Jon (Brynna) Newlie; grandchildren, Clayton, Bennett and Olivia. Mother, Ina Newcomb, and mother-in-law, Marian Jones; siblings, Douglas (Edith) Newcomb, Paula (Keith) McClellan, Roger (Debbie) Newcomb; brothers-in-law, Michael Jones and Jeff (Barbara) Jones; and sister-in-law, Jennifer (John Allen) Jones. 

Funeral Service to honor, celebrate and remember Brian’s life will be held Wednesday, May 8, 11am at David’s Church, 170 W. David Road, Kettering, Ohio. The family wishes to thank Ohio Hospice for their compassionate care during Brian’s final weeks. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be made at www.routsong.com.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United Church of Christ’s Join the Movement campaign to initiate anti-racism work in the UCC. https://jointhemovementucc.org or to David’s Church, Kettering, Ohio.   https://davidsucc.org