Robert A. Brown

1956 - 2022

Robert A. Brown, 65, of Quincy, passed away at 1:20 pm Thursday, February 10, 2022 at his home in Quincy, IL. When life is lost, another is gained. That held true as a baby calf, "Janie" joined his herd the same day.

A Funeral Ceremony will be at 10:00 am Friday, February 18, 2022, at the O'Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy. Father James Wheeler will officiate. Burial will follow at Barkley Cemetery in New London, MO.

Friends and Family are invited to Robert's Life Celebration at a visitation that will be Thursday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at O'Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy, IL.

Casual dress is recommended for Robert's services.

Robert was born September 23, 1956, in Hannibal, MO to William "Bill" and Joan (Wolfe) Brown.

While growing up, Robert was involved in the Payson Rolling Ridge 4-H group where he showed hogs and beef cattle at the fair. During his high school years, Robert was active in the Payson High School FFA Section 13 Chapter from 1970-1974. Robert held the position of reporter from 1973-1974. Robert worked as a farmhand during this time for Orville Loos along with his great friend, Mike Dietrich.

After graduating from Payson High School in 1974 he bought his own truck and leased to the Liberty Feed Mill. After a few years Robert, along with his dad and brothers Matt and Stephen, started Brown's Cross Country Truck Line in 1983 until 2003. In 1990, they added the business River City Parts where Robert worked until recently alongside his brother Matt and nephew Landon. When Robert was unable to make it to the office, he continued to call each day to check in with his brother Matt.

He married Jane (Sohn) Brown on May 21, 1983. Together they welcomed their daughter Melissa.

In Robert's younger years, you could find him playing softball at Adams Trading Post or bowling at South Side Boat Club, or playing co-ed volleyball at the CYO on Friday nights followed by a visit to Mr. Bills.. He was a member of the Village of Payson Board, Adams County Farm Bureau, and St. Anthony Catholic Church where he enjoyed working at the annual church picnic.

Robert was a lifelong supporter of FFA and 4-H. Each year, even after Melissa was no longer showing Limousin cattle, he made sure to walk through every building at the Adams County Fair. Robert loved everything related to the agriculture industry; from simple rides to check the crops, checking the rain gauges, side by side rides, watching RFD TV, visiting with his friends at the New London Farmers Co-Op, petting and meticulously feeding his cows and reading the Free Ad Finder he picked up at the gas station every Thursday. You could often find Robert at farm machinery auctions bidding on things that maybe just needed a little work. Anything he needed he could get at Leon's Store, Farm & Home. Robert took pride in his white truck where only he could ride, but it was filled with anything he would ever need at the farm, but only he could find.

When Robert wasn't farming or trucking he enjoyed watching football and cheering for the Chiefs and Mahomes, and he didn't miss an episode of Yellowstone. If the TV wasn't on, the radio was so he could listen to Steve and Mary on the WTAD morning show. On Fridays, Robert would wear red to show support for farmers and troops. He was patriotic, and enjoyed celebrating the Fourth of July by shooting off fireworks with family and friends. No matter what Robert was doing, you could bet that he had a Spearmint Life Saver close by.

The good times, the good memories, and the good friends Robert had are endless.

The last three years of Robert's courageous battle with cancer, his love and pride of Jane and Melissa was more profound than ever. Robert was so proud that Melissa tended to the cattle almost as meticulously as he did. He taught her what she needed to know about planting in the spring, harvesting in the fall. and everything in between. Melissa's love for the cattle is as strong and stubborn as Robert's was. The cattle and crops gave Robert a purpose to fight for the duration of his battle.

The family would like to thank everyone who has supported them the last few years, all of the generosity of friends and family is greatly appreciated. The quality care received from QMG and Blessing providers and staff is heartfelt.

Robert will be remembered and missed by his first family - the cows, and then wife Jane, daughter Melissa (Josh) Kiel, and his grandcat, "Socks", but referred to as "Boots" by Robert. One sister, Audrie (Jerry) Bunte of Payson, IL; two brothers, Stephen Brown of Sanibel, FL and Matthew (Luann) Brown of Quincy IL; sisters in law Cheryl Brown of Payson, IL and Paula Brown of Hannibal, MO.

Additional survivors include brothers in law, Ed (Barb) Sohn, Roger Sohn, and Steven (Donna) Sohn all of Quincy, IL; sisters in law, Judy Sohn, Doris (Martin) Karhoff, Mary Lou (Dave) Elsie, and Alice Waelder of Quincy, IL, Marge (Steve) Hilgenbrink of Plainville, IL, and Kate (Kevin) Specht of Fort Worth, TX; one aunt, Bob Ruth Gann of New London, MO; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; father and mother in law, Emil & Mary Sohn; brother, Marshall Brown; brothers-in-law, Joe Sohn, Tom Sohn, and Tony Sohn.

Pallbearers will be Luke Bunte, Jason Brown, Landon Brown, Jim Sohn, Dave Elsie, Michelle Sohn, Cory Hilgenbrink and Tim Karhoff.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Adams County Fair, New London Fire Department, Payson FFA or Calhoun FFA.

Please join the family following the burial at the Knights of Columbus in Quincy, IL at 2:00 pm to enjoy Robert's favorite meal.

Online condolences may be shared and video tribute may be viewed at www.ODonnellCookson.com.