Robert G. Brown

Robert Glenn “Bob” Brown, 81, Overland Park, KS, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 25, 2024. Bob spent his last hours doing what he loved, volunteering as a marshal at Overland Park Golf Course. He was born September 10, 1942 and was the only child of H. Robert and Mary J. Brown in Kansas City, MO. 

Bob attended the University of Missouri and was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity when he met his wife-to-be, Betty Ann Elliott, at The Shack. As Bob liked to say, he had to meet the girl with the peach hair because he had never seen anything like it before. At the time, Betty had her hair dyed peach to match the color of a dress she wore in a beauty pageant. They were inseparable after that, sharing their college years and making many fond memories. A favorite was seeing Ike and Tina Turner perform live, before anyone knew how big they would become. Bob and Betty were married and had two children. They shared 44 years in a loving marriage together before Betty passed in 2008. 

Since Betty’s passing, Bob started each day by turning on her bedside lamp and turning it off again before bed. It helped him feel her presence and he said that was the least he could do for her. His family gifted him a cat one year. He named her Tiffany after the movie “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”. It was the first movie Bob ever took Betty to see. 

Bob worked in the shoe industry for more than 45 years. He started with BF Goodrich/Converse, moved onto Hush Puppies, then New Balance and Timberland Boots. Bob served as the President of the Kansas City Shoe Show for over 20 years, making many lifelong friends. 

Anyone who knew Bob knows he was a lifelong sports enthusiast. He coached his son in basketball, baseball and soccer, then they enjoyed many years playing softball as teammates in adult leagues. Bob played softball until he was 72; he was an original member of the KC Metro Senior Softball League. His team traveled the country, winning two World Championships. 

As an avid barbeque competitor, Bob was a founding member of the Holy Smokers, as well as the Holy Smokers Marching Grill Team. After years of winning numerous awards, Bob’s team competed in the prestigious Jack Daniels World Championship Invitational Barbeque contest multiple times. Everyone loved “Bob’s barbecue”. He would often cook for friends’ special occasions, gathering hundreds of loved ones together in celebration. 

As a devout Catholic man, Bob was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was an usher in his parish for many years. He instilled in his family that life is what we make of it. God is first, family second, work third. Bob was a family man. He was a kind, protective, quick-witted, problem solver and was there to help anyone in need. He had a unique way of looking at the world and taught his family to look at situations differently. Bob would say, “Don’t take it personally, you have no idea what kind of day that person was having. Get a good night’s sleep, things will look differently tomorrow, I guarantee it.” He was always right. 

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Betty. 

Bob is survived by children: Glennis and Robert (Molly); grandchildren: Jordan, Gretchen, Isabella, Rachel; and great grandson, Landon. 

Dad will be missed by many. He made a lasting impression on everyone he met with his genuine warmth and humor. Thank you, Jesus, for giving us the most amazing father. Good night, Dad. 

Rosary will be said at 7:30pm, with Visitation to follow until 9:00pm, May 30, Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish, 14251 Nall Ave, Overland Park, KS 66223, Mass of Christian Burial, May 31, 9:00am at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish. Burial to follow 10:30am at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, 8300 Quivira Rd, Lenexa, KS 66215.

Good night, Papa. We love you!