Robert C. Brown

Robert C. Brown

November 27, 1925  –  October 27, 2024

Robert Charles Brown “Bob” entered into eternal life on October 27, 2024, in Omaha Nebraska.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Eva H. and Roy G. Brown (DVM); sisters, Marcena (Brown) Hilton, Maxine (Brown) Davis, June (Brown) Rash; brother, Capt. Roy G. Brown; and Bob’s loving wife of 76 years, Mary Corinne (Handbury) Brown.

Bob is survived by three sons: Dan (Debby), Rob (Linda) and Brad (Monica) all of Omaha, Nebraska; eight grandchildren: Chad, (Cara), Josh, Joel (Mikalynn), Nancy (Jon), Stacey (Daniel), Dan (Amber), Nicole (Kevin), and Zach (Larissa); 24 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

Robert Charles Brown was born in Sibley, Iowa to Dr. Roy G. and Eva H. Brown on November 27, 1925. His family moved to Onawa, Iowa when he was little. Young Bob had a paper route and met the train every morning to pick up his papers for delivery before school. He also worked at the soda counter in Lupton Pharmacy and shined shoes to help his family get by. Bob graduated from Onawa High School in 1943. He enlisted in the US Navy when he was eighteen and promptly left for boot camp in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. He was assigned to the USS Elkhart, a supply and troop transport ship commissioned for duty in the South Pacific. Bob reached the rank of Machinist’s Mate third class before his Honorable Discharge in May of 1946.

After the war, he attended Iowa State University. He met Corinne while serving meals in the girls’ dormitory and knew right away, she was the one. Bob and Corinne were married on December 22, 1946. While Corinne taught English at Macedonia High School, Bob drove the school bus mornings and afternoons, leaving for Omaha between shifts to attend class and finish his BS degree at Creighton University.

After the birth of their first son, Dan, Bob took a position with Armour and Co. as route salesman and moved his new family to McCook, NE. Future job opportunities would take the family to Beatrice, NE, Omaha, NE, St. Joseph, MO, Leawood, KS, Denison, IA and North Kansas City, MO.  Bob had a tremendous work ethic and rose steadily through the ranks until he reached the pinnacle of his career as National VP of Farmland Foods. He later held the same title for Ohse Meats. He was a well-respected legend in the meat and hospitality industry. Bob retired while in North Kansas City, MO. He and Corinne lived there for 37 years before returning to Omaha, NE in 2019.

He was the best Dad, helping his young boys learn to swim, play baseball, basketball, to fish, hunt and participate in Scouts. It was a typical suburban life for the times, but he provided opportunity and a wonderful childhood for his boys. There were pets, train sets, bicycles, skateboards, a basketball goal on the garage roof, a go-cart from Sears, and many other things he thought would be fun. After church on Sunday, the family would rush off to Neola for Sunday dinner and an afternoon of outdoor fun with grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles on the Handbury farm. He was the most generous Dad all his life. Sharing and giving his labor, time, handiwork, expertise, tools, advice, and a hand up, always with love; anything he could do to help you out.

Bob had a servant mentality and strong sense of duty.  He was active in his church and for many years organized and led a monthly men’s prayer breakfast. In retirement he remodeled and repaired rental properties for the church and became quite a good handyman and carpenter. He was also a volunteer director for the North KC Assistance League. Most important, he was the caregiver for his beloved Corinne for several years before her passing. Bob served for the betterment of his family, church, community, and country.

Everyone felt love for Bob Brown. He was a thoughtful, caring, kind, and cheerful person who was never seen having a down day. Always the same fearless leader seeing the brighter side of every situation and encouraging others to have faith (in God) that things will work out well for them.

Bob was an accomplished woodworker, landscaper, and gardener. He took great pride in his lawn and enjoyed watching the birds and other wildlife attracted to it by the many feeders, nesting houses and birdbath., many of which were products of his own woodshop, which also produced countless treasured pieces for his family.

Bob was blessed with exceptional vigor and good health. He was fortunate to live out his 98 years at home. To the end, Bob was mentally sharp and well-versed in business, world affairs, economics, and politics. He read two daily newspapers and enjoyed watching the Royals and Fox News. Highly organized, he managed the finances for his household and beloved farm ground in Neola.

Bob enjoyed having a good Margarita at family gatherings! Cheers Dad! You are truly a great man and our beloved hero! We love you so and could not be prouder of the great Dad and husband you are.

Private Family Service