Robert Brown

Robert Brown, affectionately known to all as Bob, a proud veteran of the United States Army and civil servant of local government, passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 3, 2024, at the age of 89.

The son of John and Mae Brown, Bob grew up in Detroit, Michigan. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on June 21, 1934, and enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 18. He went on to have a very successful military career, until his retirement after 21 years, at the age of 38.

Bob valued this service highly and attained the rank of MSG E-8 (Master Sergeant E-8). As part of this service, he made more than 800 jumps as a parachutist, was a Master Parachutist, Loadmaster, and honored Red Hat Rigger. Bob served in various tours around the world to include Germany post WWII for occupation duty and in the Vietnam war, earning the Bronze Star Award for heroic and meritorious achievement in combat zones, Army Combat Medal (2), Good Conduct Medal (6), Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2), Vietnam Service Medal (4), and Combat Jump Medal, amongst other meritorious awards.

After retiring from the military, Bob went on to serve in local government in the City of Hopewell for 31 years, where he held the roles of Traffic Engineer, Emergency Services Coordinator, Safety Supervisor, and Risk Management Supervisor. His years as a civil servant were filled with many meritorious achievements and accolades.

Bob was an accomplished athlete and after retirement from civil service he enjoyed following his favorite sports teams. In his retirement he also enjoyed helping others, spending time with his family, traveling, doing puzzles, and working in his garage.

Throughout his adult life, Bob was also very active in his local church and community. He served in his church as an Elder and on the Board of Directors. He was committed to faithful church attendance, service in many leadership capacities, world wide missions, and seeing the nations and generations come together as one family in Jesus. Bob was a man of great faith, loyal to his family and friends, and committed to humbly using his gifts and abilities to God's glory.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Sylvia; biological children, Robert Brown (Shelia), and Kristin Velasco (Steve); adopted sons, Kenneth Brown and Timothy Brown; grandchildren, COL Joshua Brown (Jackie), SGM Jacob Brown (Jenny), John Robert Brown (Joy Beth), CPT Marisa St. Clair, MAJ James Westmoreland (Erica), Timothy Brown Jr. (Brittany), Matthew Clark, Kaitlyn Brown-Lohsen (Joel), Lauren Brown, Alexa Velasco, Adalyn Velasco, and Asher Velasco; great-grandchildren, Jericho Brown, Josie Brown, Jezzabelle Brown, Jaxon Brown, Jade Brown, Juliette Brown, Shiloh Brown, Asa Brown, Ainsley St. Clair, Samuel Westmoreland, Ethan Westmoreland, Liliana Brown, Damiana Brown, and Noah Jean Lohsen; amongst other special cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mae Brown; brothers, William Brown and Richard Brown; sister, Joyce Roberts; biological son, Richard Brown; adopted son, Matthew Brown; and biological daughter, Patricia Westmoreland. His loved ones will remember his life of service, commitment, generosity, and love for God, family, country, and church.

The family will welcome guests at a visitation on Monday, February 12, 2024 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Cornerstone Church, 10551 Chalkley Road, North Chesterfield, VA 23237. The burial will be a private family time. A Celebration of Life service honoring the life of Bob will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 1:00 pm at Cornerstone Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to ask for donations to be made in Bob's name to Cornerstone Church building or missions funds (address listed above).