Robert "Bob" K. Brown

    Robert Keith Brown (“Bob”), 78, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, on Dec. 17, 2024.

     Bob was born on May 10, 1946 in Parkersburg, WV. He is survived by his beautiful wife of 42 years, Shelba J. Burns (Elam) and four stepchildren—Monty (Pam) Elam, Seana (Chuck) Corbeil, Mark (Rhonda) Elam and Sonya (Rowdy) Harden. He was blessed with four grandchildren—Calie (Zach) Porter, Kelsey Elam, Sydney (Joe) Pedulla and Zachary Elam, as well as five great-grandchildren, two nieces and a nephew. His sister Madalyn “Mel” Emerson also survives. He loved them all dearly.

     Bob’s stepchildren often teased him about the sanity of a man who would marry a widow with four teenagers. But Bob Brown did, filling big shoes and adding love and support to the family every day since. Bob’s charitable spirit was unmatched, giving selflessly of his time and resources. Whether it was swinging a hammer, sharing a bible verse or delivering gifts to the needy, he quietly and humbly made the lives of others better. His big smile, huge heart and mastery of storytelling will be forever cherished. He was a good man indeed.

     Bob was preceded in death by his father and mother, Orville R. and Fannie B. (Weaver) Brown, as well as his brother Allen Brown.

     A 1964 graduate of Eastern High School, Reedsville OH, Bob attended Ohio University where he earned a degree from the College of Engineering & Technology. He served in the US Air Force from 1970-1974 and dedicated his career to Kenworth Truck Company, retiring after 31 years of service.

     Bob was a member of the Limerick RLDS Church for 27 years, where he taught a Sunday School class for 15 years. He was also a member of the Chillicothe First Capital Tea Party and the American Legion Post 62. However, it was the Masonic Fraternity that Bob took to heart and spent 30 years as a servant member, rising to the honorable and rare ranking of 33rd Degree Mason.

His masonic achievements include: Past Master of Orient Lodge #321 F&AM in Waverly, Past District Deputy Grand Master of the 7 Masonic District for the Grand Lodge of Ohio, Past High Priest of Chillicothe Chapter #4 Royal Arch Masons, Past Illustrious Master of Chillicothe Council #4 Royal & Select Masons, Past Commander of Chillicothe Commandery #8 Knights Templar, a member of Ohio Priory #18 and a Knight York Cross of Honor, a member of AASR 32nd Degree Masons and Past Chairman of the Board of Trustees Valley of Columbus, a member of AASR Valley of Gallipolis and Past Advisor to the Board of Trustees, and an Illustrious 33rd Degree Honorary Member of the Supreme Council NMJ. He was a member of the Pike County Shrine Club, Aladdin Shrine of Columbus OH Valley #196 York Rite College, Royal Order of Scotland, Lafayette Conclave Order of Red Cross of Constantine and Temple Tabernacle #62 Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests. He was also Past Sovereign Master of Harry E. Sark Council #186 Allied Masonic Degrees, Past Excellent Chief of Charles Asa Brown Council #81 Irish Knight Masons, Colonel in the Aladdin Kentucky Colonel Club, and Life Sponsor of the Knights Templar Eye Foundation. He was an Honorary member of Solomon Council #79 R & S Masons, Scioto Lodge #6 F&AM, Western Sun Lodge #91 F&AM, Lucasville Lodge #465 F&AM, Adelphi Lodge #527 F&AM, Logan Elm #624 F&AM, Nauvoo Lodge #769 F&AM.

      Visitation hours for friends and family will be Friday, Dec. 27, from 5 - 7 pm at WARE FUNERAL HOME Chillicothe, followed by a Masonic service at 7 pm. A private burial with the family will be held on Dec. 28.

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