Robert Brown

   Robert Bentley “Bob” Brown, 88, passed away on Monday, July 25, 2011, at Scottish Rite Park Health Center in Des Moines, Iowa. In agreement with Bob’s wishes, cremation rites were accorded. A memorial service celebrating Bob’s life was held on Monday, Aug. 1, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Des Moines. Private entombment took place at the Masonic Cemetery Mausoleum in Des Moines.

     Bob was born in Waterloo, Iowa, to William and Lucille (Bentley) Brown on March 27, 1923. He grew up in Wapello, Iowa, where he was the first Eagle Scout in Louisa County, graduating from high school there in 1940. He attended the University of Iowa, AIC (Davenport), and Drake University before enlisting in the U.S. Army where he served three years, including service in the European Theater. There he earned three battle stars, Combat Infantry Badge and a Bronze Star as a member of the 395th Regiment, 99th Infantry Division. He returned to graduate from Drake in 1947. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity.
     In August 1949, Bob married Dorothy Ann Crane from Clear Lake and they were together for 62 years. They had three children: a daughter, Sandra (Al) Skat of Elmhurst, Ill.; son, Charles (Cheri Collins) of St. Charles, Mo.; and son, Robert Jr. (Mary Wood) of St. Louis, Mo. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Molly (Aaron Hunt) Skat, Betsy (Lucas) Kruse, Brenden Brown and Maggie Brown; brother, Bruce Brown of Oelwein, Iowa; cousin, Lucretia Green of Mason City, Iowa; brother-in-law, Charles W. Crane of Des Moines; niece, Liz (Darrell) Horn; nephew, Charlie Crane; and great-nieces, Alissa and Abby Vriezelaar.
     Bob worked for Bankers Life Co. (now Principal Financial) for 38 years, retiring in 1985 as a group claims officer. In retirement, he enjoyed spending the summer months with Dorothy at their Clear Lake cottage.
     Bob was a member of Waveland Park Masonic Lodge, Des Moines High 12 Club and Des Moines Golden K Kiwanis. He has also been a long time member of the Des Moines Consistory and the Za-Ga-Zig Shrine Greeters. Bob was an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church for 60+ years, serving there as an elder and deacon. Also, he was the adult leader of Boy Scout Pack 58 for 10 years.
     Memorial contributions may be made to the Boy Scouts of America Mid-Iowa District, Westminster Presbyterian Church, or a charity of donor’s choice.
     The Iles Funeral Homes – Dunn’s Chapel in Des Moines, assisted the family with arrangements.