Robert E Brown

Robert “Bob” E. Brown, age 94 of Marion, formerly of Ionia, passed away at his home on July 9th, under the tender and loving care of his son Doug and granddaughter Amy.

Born May 6, 1921, in Ionia, the son of Charles & Vannie (Smith) Brown, Bob graduated from Ionia High School before attending Hope College.

Bob is proceeded in death by his parents, first wife, Shirley, second wife Helen; two brothers, Edward and Elwin Brown, three grandsons and a nephew, Joseph Brown.

Bob is survived by his son, Doug & Patricia Brown of Belding, his special nephew Richard & Nancy Brown of Ada; grandchildren, Nicole & Sterling Yazie of Alaska, Matthew & Cora Brown and Amy Brown all of Ionia, Seth Brown of Texas and Ingrid Timmer of Grand Rapids, twelve great grandchildren and several nephews and nieces.

A consonant entrepreneur, Bob worked for the Tucker Automotive Company in Chicago and REO Auto before first founding Brown Built Boats of Lyons and then co-founding and operating Brown Corporation of Ionia. Bob enjoyed his years of retirement by spending time gardening where he especially liked growing his own vegetables, working with wood, even cutting the trees himself for his home in Marion. Bob was an avid outdoorsmen who loved to hunt and fish whenever he had time. Bob owned several planes and enjoyed flying to various places. He was a member of the Ionia Masonic Lodge, the Cadillac Elks Lodge and Harrison Moose Lodge.

Visitation with Bob’s family will be on Wednesday, July 15th, from 6-8 PM and on Thursday, July 16th from 9-11 AM at the Simpson Family Funeral Home in Sheridan.

Funeral services will be on Thursday, July 16th beginning at 11:00 AM, with Brother Thomas Scovel, O.S.L. officiating. Final inurnment will take place at Woodard Lake Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorial donations be made to Hospice of Michigan – Cadillac and envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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