Robert W. Brown
February 12th, 1947 - December 12th, 2024
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Robert's Obituary
Robert W. Brown, 77, of Niles passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness.
He was born in Niles, MI, on February 12, 1947, the son of the late Hector and Lois (Boone) Brown. He graduated from Niles High School in 1965 and continued his education through Southwestern Michigan College, earning a degree. Bob lived his entire life in the area.
Bob served in Vietnam with the Army 97th Artillery Air Defense Unit as part of the 495th Single Detachment.
He had a lifelong career as a master machinist at Simplicity Pattern Company, for over 30 years.
Bob also started his own engine and machine shop. He was highly regarded in the auto and racing communities for his knowledge and skills with engines. His shop was always open to friends and family who stopped by to spend time with Bob, talk about cars and “shoot the breeze”.
His love of cars brought him pleasure through racing, attending car shows, and later in life he became involved with organizing the Backus-Brown car shows which benefited local veterans.
He also enjoyed the breakfast gatherings with old friends from school, military and Simplicity.
Bob is survived by his wife Cindy (Dibble) Brown; children, Bob W. Brown Jr. (m. Wendy) of Niles, Jerry M. Brown of Dallas; siblings, Tricia (Brown) Mahon of Naples, Fl , Michael Brown (m. Barb) of South Bend and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A celebration of life gathering will be held from 2-4 pm on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Swem Chapel, 301 W. Front St., Buchanan, with military honors rendered by the United States Army at 4 pm. A time of continued fellowship will immediately follow at the Buchanan American Legion. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Galien Cemetery. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.swemchapel.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Bob’s memory to: R – VETS in care of Ed Selent, 1236 Huntly Rd., Niles, MI 49120
He was born in Niles, MI, on February 12, 1947, the son of the late Hector and Lois (Boone) Brown. He graduated from Niles High School in 1965 and continued his education through Southwestern Michigan College, earning a degree. Bob lived his entire life in the area.
Bob served in Vietnam with the Army 97th Artillery Air Defense Unit as part of the 495th Single Detachment.
He had a lifelong career as a master machinist at Simplicity Pattern Company, for over 30 years.
Bob also started his own engine and machine shop. He was highly regarded in the auto and racing communities for his knowledge and skills with engines. His shop was always open to friends and family who stopped by to spend time with Bob, talk about cars and “shoot the breeze”.
His love of cars brought him pleasure through racing, attending car shows, and later in life he became involved with organizing the Backus-Brown car shows which benefited local veterans.
He also enjoyed the breakfast gatherings with old friends from school, military and Simplicity.
Bob is survived by his wife Cindy (Dibble) Brown; children, Bob W. Brown Jr. (m. Wendy) of Niles, Jerry M. Brown of Dallas; siblings, Tricia (Brown) Mahon of Naples, Fl , Michael Brown (m. Barb) of South Bend and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A celebration of life gathering will be held from 2-4 pm on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Swem Chapel, 301 W. Front St., Buchanan, with military honors rendered by the United States Army at 4 pm. A time of continued fellowship will immediately follow at the Buchanan American Legion. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Galien Cemetery. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.swemchapel.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Bob’s memory to: R – VETS in care of Ed Selent, 1236 Huntly Rd., Niles, MI 49120
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Additional Visitation Information
Military Honors will be rendered at 4 pm by the United States Army