Brown-Forward Inc

At Brown-Forward Funeral Service, we have served Cleveland, Ohio and surrounding communities since the early 1800's. We are recognized as the oldest continuing funeral home in the state of Ohio.

Almost two centuries ago the funeral home started as D.W. Duty, Cabinet Makers, was succeeded as J.H. Brown, then J. H. Brown-Son, & Forward, and, currently is known as Brown-Forward, Inc.

Throughout the years, Brown-Forward, Inc. has remained a stable icon of caring and compassion for those in need. In our 183+ years of recorded service, we have had five locations and only four different owners. Located in beautiful downtown Shaker Heights, our tastefully appointed facility is conveniently located minutes from the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and every major hospital in the Greater Cleveland area.

In 1951 the business was acquired by G. Budd and Maxine Forward, and is still operated as a family owned operation. Their son Robert L. Forward, serves as President and their daughter, Judith M. Forward is the Vice President of the Corporation. Bradley T. Forward, Robert's son, is now a licensed Funeral Director.

Additionally, a mainstay in the community and Brown-Forward, Inc. is Robert J. Kohl. He started as a funeral director in 1957 and has been a General Manager of our funeral home. Being a family owned and operated business allows us to operate in a service oriented mode, rather than in a corporate culture.

Today, as in the past, we at Brown-Forward view ourselves as a community oriented funeral home, serving all faiths, races, and religions, with caring funeral, memorial and cremation services. We view ourselves as part of the entire community, which we have been actively involved with for so many years. Our affiliations have been numerous, including, but not limited to Rotary, Kiwanis, Knights of Columbus, Shrine and Zonta.