Rodman Augustus Brown

Rod “Farmer” Brown, age 98, went to be with his Lord and Savior on September 26, 2025. Born on December 9, 1926, he was preceded in death by his parents Augustus “Gus” and Laura (Ressler) Brown, and by his two brothers and four sisters.

Rod is survived by his wife Phyllis (Hyer) of over seventy-seven years, and by all four of his children, Penny Smith, and son-in-law, Jed, Randy and daughter-in-law, Sharyl (Beckner), daughter Nanette Brown, Eric and daughter-in-law, Jill (Knox) all from Arcanum, Ohio.

Rod is also survived by eight grandchildren: Katrina (Craig) Unger, Janelle (Rick) Bell, Jennifer Brown, Lindsey (Eric) Benson, Aaron (partner Dalia Copeland) Brown, Ashley Harbold, Niles (Caitlin) Brown, Mitchell (fiancé Hannah Swenson) Brown. Rod was blessed with fourteen great grandchildren: Taylor Loxley, Brenna (Jacob) Miller, Anna Loxley, Luke Brinksneader, Lance Brinksneader, Logan Brinksneader, Alexys (Brooks) Rosandich, Brady Keeton, Drew Keeton, Ayden Brown, Addison Lee, Kennedy Harbold, Grayson Harbold, and Liam Brown.

Rod was the last surviving member of the class of 1944 from Monroe (FM) high school. He served our country in the US Navy at the end of World War II, serving in 1945-46, and a member of the US Navy Band as a trombonist. After serving, Rod began and continued to farm in the Arcanum area, being active in several community and farming organizations, including Arcanum Historical Society and the Tobacco Growers Association.

Rod loved music, and especially barbershop music. He was a chorus director and quartet member, singing many years with the Lampost Four. He was a member of the National Barbershop Association for over 75 years and loved to arrange barbershop music. Naturally, he loved big band and forties music, listening to it for hours during his final years.

Many will remember Rod as “Farmer” Brown, the creator of the Farmer Brown sandwich. He, along with his family started Farmer Brown and Just Ice Cream, and at the age of 75, built the Farmer Brown Restaurant outside Arcanum.

Rod put his faith in Jesus Christ at an early age and attended Northside Community Fellowship in his final years. His dear friend, Pastor Bill Cornett will officiate his service.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday September 30, 2025, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, Greenville, Ohio. Services will be held on Wednesday October 1, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the funeral home with interment following in Abbottsville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to EverHeart Hospice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.zecharbailey.com for the Brown family.