Robert W. Brown

Robert W. (Bob) Brown, 92, of Milford, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 16, 2017 at home. He was born December 27, 1924 to Ronald W. and Gladys I. (Wysong) Brown in Goshen. Bob graduated from Milford High School with the class of 1942 and began attending Purdue University the same year. His college education was interrupted by WWII when he was drafted into the US Army. He served overseas in the 1675th Engineer Utility Detachment in France attaining the rank of sergeant. After completing his military service Bob returned to Purdue, graduating in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering becoming a licensed professional engineer and land surveyor. Bob began working with his father in the family construction business as a young man on road construction jobs throughout northern and central Indiana. Following his semi-retirement as president of Phend & Brown, Inc. in 1995, he continued to stop by the office on a daily basis, never really fully retiring.

Bob was a lifetime Milford resident, and was very active within his community. He served on the Kosciusko County United Way Board and as president of the Milford Library Board during the construction project that more than doubled its size. He was president of the Milford Cemetery Association for many years until his passing, caring for its records and presiding over expansion and upkeep of the cemetery grounds. Bob was a 70-year member of the Milford American Legion Ancil Geiger Post 226 in Milford and will be remembered for speaking at Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day ceremonies, and as regular participant of the funeral honor guard. He was an active member of the Milford United Methodist Church, serving in numerous leadership roles and as a Sunday School teacher. He was also a longtime delivery driver for Meals on Wheels up until just a month before his passing. Bob was an avid Purdue fan, a John Purdue Club member and a member of Delta Upsilon Fraternity.

On October 16, 1949, Bob married Marilyn J. Fuller; she passed away April 20, 2016. Together, they raised five children, who survive: Daniel F. (Nilah) Brown of Milford, Rebecca (Ted) Alles of Milford, David (Melba) Brown of Peachtree City, GA, Douglas (Jodi) Brown of Milford, and Andrew (Kathy) Brown of Syracuse. Fourteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren also survive.

A funeral service in Bob’s honor will be held at Mishler Funeral Home and Cremation Center on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at 2:00 PM. Reverend Robert Nelson will officiate with burial following at Milford Cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 PM on Friday, July 21, 2017 at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Saturday.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be directed to the Milford United Methodist Church, PO Box 599, Milford, IN 46542.