Robert Lee Brown

Robert (Bob) Lee Brown, 86, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2023, in Columbia, Missouri. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. 

Bob was born on September 16, 1936, to Mary Snell Brown and Zeke Bartlett Brown in St. Louis, Missouri. At age 15, Bob left school to join the workforce before entering the Navy so that he could “see the world.” 

After serving as an airplane mechanic in the San Diego Navy, he returned to St. Louis and began his career in the shoe industry which would eventually fulfill his dream. 

Though Bob enjoyed city life in St. Louis in the 50’s, from working downtown in Brown Shoe Co. to catching Cardinals games and films at the Fox, he often retreated to nature as well through hobbies such as fishing, hunting, and birdwatching. 

In the 70’s, Bob started his journey overseas with the shoe trade.  He was first positioned in Hong Kong, then Thailand, China, and settled in Taichung, Taiwan where he worked as Vice President of Mercury Footwear for 25 years. It was during this time Bob met his wife Denise at a company event. Their long friendship and complimentary personalities led to a rich marriage and together they raised their 2 daughters Deborah and Jennifer to have a similar love for life and adventure. After retirement, Bob and Denise’s heart was to serve God as a couple. Together, they led International Ministry groups and mentored international college students. Their mission was to impact the Chinese community for Christ. 

During Bob’s time at work, many peers would speak of his integrity and character. His name held credibility for being a righteous man. The lessons he passed on to his daughters by example was to love and obey the Lord, to be courageous in taking risks, to be kind, and that our integrity carries our reputation. 

Bob was a gentle man that held immense discipline and strength. He is remembered as a humble leader, an adventurous traveler, an avid golfer, witty jokester, fiercely generous, and lived life with daring intentionally. He was the best husband, father, and grandfather and left a powerful legacy to those that knew him well. 

Bob is survived by his wife of 31 years, Denise Lee Brown; his daughter and son-in-law, Deborah Lee Rogers and Scott Lee Rogers and his two grandchildren Aaron Lee Rogers and Jesse Lee Rogers; his daughter Jennifer Lee Brown and son-in-law Lazarus Ricketts; his brother-in-law, Al Navarre. 

He is proceeded in death by his parents and sister Norma Jean Navarre. 

Bob’s life will be celebrated on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 5 PM, at Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel in Columbia, Missouri and will be laid to rest at Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens with his family by his side. 

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