Robert Phillip Brown, age 97, of Delton, Michigan, passed away at 3:30 a.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025 at his home. The son of James W. & Gladys (Kreighbaum) Brown, he was born on March 14, 1928 in Otsego, Michigan and was raised in Cheboygan, Michigan.
He graduated from Cheboygan High School, where he lettered in four sports, and was a proud veteran of World War II, serving with the United States Navy aboard the U.S.S. Woodcock. Robert was awarded the American Area Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
Following the war, he earned a degree in Mechanical Drafting at I.T.I. in Chicago, Illinois. For 40 years he worked throughout the local area as a sales engineer for a number of companies that specialized in architectural building products, retiring from Vos Glass, Inc. in Grand Rapids in 1995. .
In 1947, he married Barbara Cook of Cheboygan, and they divorced in 1972. He then married Frances K. (Campbell) Bush in 1973 and together they enjoyed over 52 years of marriage. “Brownie” was an avid hunter, fisherman and outdoor enthusiast and loved downhill and cross country skiing, ice skating, canoeing, hiking and camping. He loved to wood carve, especially duck decoys, which he entered into numerous contests.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Betty Fox and Phyllis Bennett; two daughters, Barbara Jo Sanford and Kathy Atkins; and two grandsons, Chad Atkins and Mark Brown.
Surviving are his loving wife, Fran Brown of Delton; his children, Patti & Denny Keith, Jim & Nan Brown, Steve & Janet Brown; two sons-in-law, Jim Sanford and Earl Atkins; thirteen grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.
Honoring Brownie’s wishes, cremation will take place and his remains will be lovingly scattered on family lands. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Bob’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com
Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert P. "Brownie" Brown, please visit our flower store.Guestbook
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