Robert Hall Brown

ROBERT H. BROWN NAVY CHIEF HMCS USNR RET. LANSING, IL ROBERT H. BROWN, Chief HMCS, USNR retired US Navy Veteran of 42 years active and reserve service died April 27th, 2018. He was born July 3rd, 1925 in Lima, OH to Thelma and Ralph Brown (deceased). He married Alta Nelson on August 23rd, 1958 who survives. He is preceded in death by son, Thomas Brown. Survived by sons: James M. Brown (Schatzy) Dyer, IN, Charles Brown (Christine) Lansing, IL, and daughter: Dawn Derbigny Villa Park, IL. Grandchildren: Michael Brown (Laura), Allen Brown (Carla), Julie (Brown) Bryner, Chay Derbigny (Leyna), and Samantha Derbigny. Great Grandchildren: Kyle Brown, Noah Brown, Shayne Brown, Christopher Brown, Dakota Myers, Brantley Derbigny, and Edith (Edy) Brown. Preceded in death by twin sister, Joanne (Robert) Noyer, Winchester, VA and brother, James Warren Brown, Chicago, IL. Bob graduated from Valparaiso University with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1952 and attended post-graduates studies at Purdue Lafayette, IN and Northwestern, Chicago, IL. Retired from LaSalle Steel Co. Hammond, IN as Manager of Credit & Insurance for the Hammond IN, Griffith IN, and Spring City, PA locations. In this capacity, he held the positions of President and Treasurer of the Western Steel Institute and The National Credit Office, both trade organizations. He was an active member of the American Legion for over 67 years, having held every office at the post level as well as District Chaplain and Historian. Awarded an Outstanding Chaplains’ Cross and came in first place as State Historian of the American Legion. Life member of The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post #7660 Lansing, IL., Arcadia Masonic Lodge #1138 Lansing, IL., 32nd degree member of the South Bend, IN Consistory, Orak Shrine, Michigan City, IN. Awarded a Gold Lifetime Membership in the American Legion in 1957. During Bob's long navel career, his duty stations included: Great Lakes, IL, U.S. Naval Hospital Seattle, WA, N.R.S. Shoemaker, CA, S.S. Monticello Noumea, New Caledonia, Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides, Finchafen, New Guinea, S.S. Sloterdyck, Manus, and Los/Negros, Admiralty Islands, S.S. John Carroll, Russell Islands, Honlara, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, Marshal Islands, Enewetak Atoll, Yap Islands, Ulithiattoll, Okinawa, USS Crittenden(APA 77), Navy Pier, Chicago, IL. Purdue University NROTC program, U.S. Navy Reserve Center, Gary, IN, USS Waldron (DD 699), USS Sarasota (APA 204), USS Earl K. Olsen (DD 765), USS Roberts (DE 749), Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, FLA. and Key West, FLA, USS Eunice (PCE 846), USS C.K. Bronson (DE 668), USS Goss (DE 444), USS Huse (DE 145), USS Worland (PCE 845), USS Hood (DD 655), USS Intrepid (CVS 11), USS Denebola (AF 56), USS Havre (PCE 877), USS Daniel A. Joy (DE 585), USS Fulton (AS 11), Discharged- Great Lakes Naval Training Center. In 1967, he was chosen to be a guest of the Navy for an around the world tour as a Goodwill Ambassador for the Navy. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Kuiper Funeral Home, 9039 Kleinman Road (two blocks south of Ridge Road) Highland, IN with Rev. Tim Powers officiating. Interment will follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Crown Point, IN. Friends are invited to meet with the family Friday, May 4, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (American Legion service at 7:00 p.m.) at Kuiper Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the USO would be appreciated.