About Us
Our Valued Staff
Our staff is comprised of dedicated and licensed professionals with the experience to answer all your questions regarding our services. Please feel free to contact any of our staff members at any time.
Robert L. Forward
CEO, Master Funeral Director and Embalmer
Robb has been a part of the working staff at Brown-Forward since he was 14 years old. He graduated from Norwich University and The Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. Robb served in the US Army Infantry in Vietnam, was formerly a Lay reader and choir member at Christ Episcopal Church, and currently a member of Plymouth Church of Shaker Heights, UCC, where he has been active in the youth groups and the Stephen Minister program. Robb is currently a Commissioned Minister for the UCC serving in the area of Correctional Facilities. He was Past President of the Shaker Schools Foundation. He was also a former Ohio State High School and NCAA baseball and softball official.
Robert L. Forward
CEO, Master Funeral Director and Embalmer
Robb has been a part of the working staff at Brown-Forward since he was 14 years old. He graduated from Norwich University and The Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. Robb served in the US Army Infantry in Vietnam, was formerly a Lay reader and choir member at Christ Episcopal Church, and currently a member of Plymouth Church of Shaker Heights, UCC, where he has been active in the youth groups and the Stephen Minister program. Robb is currently a Commissioned Minister for the UCC serving in the area of Correctional Facilities. He was Past President of the Shaker Schools Foundation. He was also a former Ohio State High School and NCAA baseball and softball official.
Shelby
Therapy Dog
Shelby is a young Golden Retriever and future Therapy Dog. She has a naturally loving and non-invasive demeanor. She is frequently groomed to reduce pet dander that may cause allergies with some people. Shelby is also available for home, nursing home or hospital visits.
Shelby
Therapy Dog
Shelby is a young Golden Retriever and future Therapy Dog. She has a naturally loving and non-invasive demeanor. She is frequently groomed to reduce pet dander that may cause allergies with some people. Shelby is also available for home, nursing home or hospital visits.
Donald B. Willis
General Manager, Master Embalmer
Donald B. Willis began his career in funeral service at the age of sixteen. He joined the staff at Brown-Forward in 1965 following graduation from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. A four-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Donald is a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, member of Acacia Masonic Lodge #651, Lyndhurst and a Royal Arch Mason, Lodge #152, Chagrin Falls, Ohio.
An accomplished bagpiper, Donald is quite active in all things Scottish. He is the ritual piper for the Scottish Heritage Association as well as the Clans Wallace, Lamont and Morrison. In addition he is the ceremonial piper for the Rowfant Club and English Speaking Union. He also plays old-time country fiddle.
An author by hobby, Donald's three full-length novels, The Mystery of the Waterloo Bagpipes, The Secret of Lightning Ridge and Calvin Hemingway's Diary - A Novel were most recently honoured by being included in the recommended summer reading list by the State of New Hampshire.
Donald B. Willis
General Manager, Master Embalmer
Donald B. Willis began his career in funeral service at the age of sixteen. He joined the staff at Brown-Forward in 1965 following graduation from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. A four-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Donald is a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, member of Acacia Masonic Lodge #651, Lyndhurst and a Royal Arch Mason, Lodge #152, Chagrin Falls, Ohio.
An accomplished bagpiper, Donald is quite active in all things Scottish. He is the ritual piper for the Scottish Heritage Association as well as the Clans Wallace, Lamont and Morrison. In addition he is the ceremonial piper for the Rowfant Club and English Speaking Union. He also plays old-time country fiddle.
An author by hobby, Donald's three full-length novels, The Mystery of the Waterloo Bagpipes, The Secret of Lightning Ridge and Calvin Hemingway's Diary - A Novel were most recently honoured by being included in the recommended summer reading list by the State of New Hampshire.
Bradley Forward
President, Master Funeral Director and Chief Operating Officer
Brad graduated from Shaker Heights High School in 1995 and received a Bachelor's Degree from Arizona State University in 1999. From 1999 to 2007, Brad was a police officer in Arizona, achieving the rank of Detective. In January, 2008, he returned home to Shaker Heights to join Brown-Forward as a fourth generation Funeral Director. Brad is a proud father of two girls, Sydney Lynn (born 2010) and Ava Rose (born 2013). Brad is an member of Christ Episcopal Church in Shaker Heights and had recently served as a member of Vestry. He enjoys spending time with his family, athletics, fitness, outdoor activities and coaching youth sports.
Bradley Forward
President, Master Funeral Director and Chief Operating Officer
Brad graduated from Shaker Heights High School in 1995 and received a Bachelor's Degree from Arizona State University in 1999. From 1999 to 2007, Brad was a police officer in Arizona, achieving the rank of Detective. In January, 2008, he returned home to Shaker Heights to join Brown-Forward as a fourth generation Funeral Director. Brad is a proud father of two girls, Sydney Lynn (born 2010) and Ava Rose (born 2013). Brad is an member of Christ Episcopal Church in Shaker Heights and had recently served as a member of Vestry. He enjoys spending time with his family, athletics, fitness, outdoor activities and coaching youth sports.
Sydney Forward
Usher/Family Services
Sydney is a fifth generation Brown-Forward employee. She is currently a sophomore at Beaumont High School in Shaker Heights, where she excels as a student/athlete. Sydney is passionate about music, traveling and softball. Sydney assists her family's business with creating Memorial Tribute Videos, Live Streaming Services, Social Media as well as greeting and ushering funeral events.
Sydney Forward
Usher/Family Services
Sydney is a fifth generation Brown-Forward employee. She is currently a sophomore at Beaumont High School in Shaker Heights, where she excels as a student/athlete. Sydney is passionate about music, traveling and softball. Sydney assists her family's business with creating Memorial Tribute Videos, Live Streaming Services, Social Media as well as greeting and ushering funeral events.
Vernon Haltom
Funeral Director Apprentice
Vernon began working for Brown-Forward as a receptionist and office assistant in 2018 and began his funeral director apprenticeship in 2026. He graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1986 and Northwestern Oklahoma State University in 1999. He served in the US Air Force from 1986 to 1992. Vernon taught high school English and also taught English as a second language to college students from 20 countries. He has been a nonprofit executive director since 2011. Vernon is married and is the proud father of two sons and a daughter. He enjoys gardening, cooking, watching nerdy documentaries, and spending time with his family.
Vernon Haltom
Funeral Director Apprentice
Vernon began working for Brown-Forward as a receptionist and office assistant in 2018 and began his funeral director apprenticeship in 2026. He graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1986 and Northwestern Oklahoma State University in 1999. He served in the US Air Force from 1986 to 1992. Vernon taught high school English and also taught English as a second language to college students from 20 countries. He has been a nonprofit executive director since 2011. Vernon is married and is the proud father of two sons and a daughter. He enjoys gardening, cooking, watching nerdy documentaries, and spending time with his family.
Kelly Pekoc
Office Manager
Kelly Pekoc
Office Manager
Brian Gilbert
Family Services
Brian has been with Brown-Forward since 2017, working in Family Services. Brian has a degree from Cleveland State University and is a Shaker Heights High School graduate. He is married to Kenya Peery Gilbert. Brian is also actively involved in Reach City Church of Cleveland.
Brian Gilbert
Family Services
Brian has been with Brown-Forward since 2017, working in Family Services. Brian has a degree from Cleveland State University and is a Shaker Heights High School graduate. He is married to Kenya Peery Gilbert. Brian is also actively involved in Reach City Church of Cleveland.
Judith M. Forward
Executive Vice President and Funeral Director (retired as of March 2020)
Judy has been with Brown-Forward just about all her life! Judy is active with Fairmount Presbyterian Church as an elder and past Deacon, Stephen Minister, Chair of the Memorial Committee and usher. Her civic interest include Rotary International, The Hudson City Cemetery Board of Directors, the Western Reserve Academy Pioneer Women and, formerly, Zonta International. Judy is a graduate of Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, OH.
Judith M. Forward
Executive Vice President and Funeral Director (retired as of March 2020)
Judy has been with Brown-Forward just about all her life! Judy is active with Fairmount Presbyterian Church as an elder and past Deacon, Stephen Minister, Chair of the Memorial Committee and usher. Her civic interest include Rotary International, The Hudson City Cemetery Board of Directors, the Western Reserve Academy Pioneer Women and, formerly, Zonta International. Judy is a graduate of Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, OH.
Maxine Devand Forward
In Loving Memory
Maxine and G. Budd Forward founded Brown-Forward in 1951. Maxine grew up in the former DeVand Funeral Home and was a licensed Funeral Director, as was her mother, the late Gertrude DeVand. She served as Chairman of the Board and Funeral Director of Brown-Forward Funeral Service until her passing in 2003. Maxine was a graduate of Bradford Jr. College and member of Zonta International.
Maxine Devand Forward
In Loving Memory
Maxine and G. Budd Forward founded Brown-Forward in 1951. Maxine grew up in the former DeVand Funeral Home and was a licensed Funeral Director, as was her mother, the late Gertrude DeVand. She served as Chairman of the Board and Funeral Director of Brown-Forward Funeral Service until her passing in 2003. Maxine was a graduate of Bradford Jr. College and member of Zonta International.
Robert J. Kohl
Embalmer & Funeral Director (retired)
Bob had been a cherished member of the Brown-Forward family since 1957. He is a graduate of The Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. Bob has been active in St. Dominic Church as an usher and administrative assistant. Bob is a past President and over 25 year member of Rotary International and a member of The Knights of Columbus for 55 years. Bob enjoys spending time with his family and friends, and is now fully retired.
Robert J. Kohl
Embalmer & Funeral Director (retired)
Bob had been a cherished member of the Brown-Forward family since 1957. He is a graduate of The Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. Bob has been active in St. Dominic Church as an usher and administrative assistant. Bob is a past President and over 25 year member of Rotary International and a member of The Knights of Columbus for 55 years. Bob enjoys spending time with his family and friends, and is now fully retired.
