Robert E. Brown, 81, died Friday (March 30, 2007) at Asbury Park Healthcare in Newton.
Brown was born Sept. 17, 1925, in Newton to Harry Hobert Brown and Fern Margeret Rose O'Cassidy.
He married Margorie Rittmueler Nov. 10, 1946, in Grand Canyon, Nev.
He graduated from Newton High School in 1943. Upon graduation, he immediately joined the U.S. Army where he fought in New Guinea and various South Pacific campaigns. He was promoted to sergeant and was present during the American occupation in Tokyo.
He was a skilled carpenter, plumber and "fixer upper." He enjoyed serving as a special police officer in Newton, target shooting, Dixie land music, and feeding and caring for birds and animals. He helped many people with the refinishing of furniture and enjoyed his family and grandchildren.
He worked varied jobs in the Newton community but will be especially remembered as a custodian for Sunset Elementary School. He loved and enjoyed the many children at Sunset school.
Survivors include daughter Robyn (Brown) Swanson of Newton; granddaughters, Wendy J. Swanson of Reno, Nev. and Dyane L. and Josh D. Meadows of Reno, Nev.; sisters, Myra Mae and Buford Belgard of Williams, Ariz., and Dorothy J. Duerksen of Salina; and one great grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his wife and parents.
A service will be at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Ducks Unlimited, Newton Police Reserve and Dixie Land Preservation Hall in care of Petersen Funeral Home in Newton.
