2025
Robert J. “Bob” Brown, 82, of Lafayette (formerly of Flora), entered Heaven’s gates peacefully on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 11:11 p.m.
Bob was born on May 9, 1943, in Logansport, Indiana, to Joe C. and Eva (Oyler) Brown. He graduated from Camden High School in 1961, and on November 2, 1963, he married the love of his life, Ann Parman. Bob and Ann met as young adults at Bringhurst Methodist Church and built a life of love and devotion in the Flora and Bringhurst communities. Together, they shared over 61 years of marriage.
Bob worked for over 40 years at Pioneer Hi-Bred International, where his dedication and work ethic left a lasting impression. Though he retired in 2002, farming never left his heart. He found daily joy in tending to the flowers around his home—especially his perennial gardens, which flourished under his care.
He also had a special care for the things that mattered to him—especially his vehicles. Bob was featured in the local newspaper for his white Chevy S10, which he drove to work every day—an hour each way—for years, accumulating over 500,000 miles on the same engine. That truck was a testament to his reliability, resourcefulness, and pride in caring for what he loved.
A lifelong supporter of Purdue University, Bob was a proud and passionate Boilermaker. He was a member of the John Purdue Club for nearly 50 years and rarely missed a football or basketball game. Whether cheering from the stands or from home, he loved sharing in the spirit of Purdue athletics.
Bob’s faith was important to him. He rededicated his life to Christ during a trip to Nashville, Tennessee—one of many visits he and Ann made together. He especially cherished attending Cowboy Church and found strength and joy in country gospel music. Bob and Ann often hosted Bible study in their home led by dear friends Tom and Katie Kawsky, a gathering he looked forward to and lovingly called “church.”
In his retirement years, Bob stayed active and community-minded. He was a proud donor and longtime member of the Carroll County Community Center, where he worked out nearly every day and enjoyed fellowship with others. He also found delight in observing and caring for the birds around their Flora home. He and Ann once discovered and helped care for two rare albino robins that appeared in their yard—a moment so unique it was featured in the local newspaper.
Bob will be remembered for his gentle spirit, unwavering loyalty, and quiet but steady presence in the lives of those who knew him. His granddaughters fondly remember the great Fourth of July fireworks he hosted every year, bringing family and neighbors together for unforgettable summer nights full of laughter, light, and love.
In recognition of their lasting contributions to the Flora community, Bob and Ann were honored as parade marshals of the Flora Christmas Parade—a testament to their spirit of service, friendship, and local pride.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Ann; daughter Amy and son-in-law Rusty Clawson; granddaughters Amanda (Anthony) Landreth and Alissa Clawson; and great-grandchildren Eli and Olivia Landreth. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Kathryn Hall, his brother Billy Brown, and his in-laws, Vernon and Ruby Parman.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Carroll County Community Foundation.
Arrangements are entrusted to Wheeler Family Funeral Home.
Condolences for the family 03
Dr Al and Arlene Eller
June 13, 2025 1:17 pm ·Arlene and I are sorry for the family’s loss and offer our sympathy.
Cheryl Bailey
June 18, 2025 8:42 am ·Though Bobby was not blood related, as he was the very younger brother of my aunt (by marriage to my uncle, my mother’s younger brother) he was like a cousin (and only a year older than I). He was always present at our family get-togethers, and spent much time with Aunt Katy and Uncle Ed during the summer. Am so joyful that he and Ann spent so much of their lives as servants of the Lord and that the fruit of it was spent in service to and love of others.
Pat Wilson
July 10, 2025 10:35 pm ·Ann and Amy, l have thought about you so many times. But I wasn’t sure of where Bob and Ann moved to from Flora. Our long time friendship is a sweet memory for me. I am so sorry you lost Bob. He was a very sweet man. I would love to hear Camden school stories from him and Gary.
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