Robert H. Brown, Jr.

Robert H. “Bob” Brown Jr., 74, of Decatur, Indiana passed away late Saturday evening, July 2, 2022, at Bethlehem Woods Nursing and Rehabilitation in Fort Wayne. He bravely battled acute lymphoblastic leukemia and other challenging medical conditions associated with exposure to Rainbow Herbicides in Southeast Asia (Agent Orange and other tactical agents). Bob was born in Decatur on March 23, 1948 to the late Robert W. Brown Sr. and Julia (Gaskill) Brown. On July 31, 1976, he married Shirley Rekeweg at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ossian, Indiana. He graduated from Chamberlain High School in Tampa, Florida in 1966 and proudly joined the United States Marine Corps, attaining the rank of sergeant. Bob served two tours of duty in Southeast Asia from 1966-1969 as a machine gunner. Bob was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ossian and the American Legion Post #43. He retired from General Electric in Fort Wayne as a Machine Operator in 1997. In his retirement, he attended Ivy Tech taking several culinary classes. In his early adult years, Bob coached the 5th grade boys’ basketball team at St. Joseph Catholic School for 16 years. Later in life, he looked forward to the “Band of Brothers” reunions; especially, the Veteran’s Day reunions held in Washington, D.C. with his fellow Marines from India Company, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division whose friendships had endured over the many decades and the Marine motto “Semper Fidelis” forever etched in their hearts. Bob was an avid reader of many different genres, a lover of 60’s/70’s rock n’ roll music, and Friday matinee movie goer. He enjoyed his travels to the Caribbean for all-day snorkeling excursions and rooting for his IU basketball and football teams. He was a longtime attendee at Bellmont High School athletic events. In addition to his wife of 45 years, Shirley Brown, Bob is survived by his son, Joshua (Lindsay) Brown of Huntington, Indiana; brother, Jack Brown of Chipley, Florida; and several nieces and nephews. In accordance with his wishes, a private family graveside service with Military Honors will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church Cemetery in Ossian, Indiana with Rev. Samuel Wirgau officiating. A special thank-you to all the staff at Stillwater Hospice and Bethlehem Woods for their loving care. Preferred memorials are to Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ossian or a veteran charity of the donor’s choice. Checks may be sent to Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, 520 N 2nd Street, Decatur, Indiana 46733 in memory of Bob.