Congresswoman Kathy Castor released the following statement about the Rev. Abe Brown. Castor attended Chamberlain High School when Brown was dean. She will speak at Saturday’s funeral.

“The Rev. Abe Brown was a tremendous role model for our youth and was an inspiration to our community. From his football coaching to his educating as dean of Chamberlain High, he was a steady, constant presence in the lives of his students. He was a man of passion for the community, and selflessly devoted his life to others. Instead of abandoning those who had lost their way, he worked tirelessly to help get them back on track. He instructed others to adhere to the philosophy to ‘Be a giver, not a taker. Live and lead by example.’ That is the life he himself led, always a giver, never a taker, and always leading by example. Abe Brown not only helped numerous individuals, he helped an entire community. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He will be sorely missed.”