Robert “Bob” Loyd Brown passed away Friday, December 21, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital at the age of 73 from complications from amyloidosis. Bob was born on February 6, 1945, in Oberlin, KS, the son of Robert and Evelyn (Lemman) Brown. He graduated from Decatur County Community High School in Oberlin. There he developed his passion for wrestling and was a state runner-up in 1962 and state champion in 1963. He furthered his wrestling career at Fort Hays State University for two years before serving in the United States Army for four years where he was given the opportunity to compete in the wrestling Olympic trials. After his service, he returned to Fort Hays State and resumed his wrestling career and graduated with a degree in Education in 1972. Following graduation, he began his teaching and coaching career in Stockton, KS, where he married and had two daughters, Barclay and Brianne.
Bob spent his career teaching PE and Social Studies, but his true calling was mentoring young men through the sport of wrestling. In 1985, Bob made a challenging move from a rural Kansas town known for its strong wrestling culture to the urban environment of Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, KS, where the sport of wrestling was virtually unknown. He courageously disregarded the urban stereotype and was able to encourage and challenge young athletes to commit themselves to high school wrestling. “Coach Brown’s” storied commitment to the wrestlers on the Wyandotte teams introduced them to a form a self-discipline that was brand new to the athletes on his teams. His efforts were formally recognized by receiving the 1993 6A State High School Coach of the Year Award and his induction into the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2002, the year he retired from teaching. To him the true recognition was the lifelong relationships he maintained with his wrestlers.
Bob married Sharon Rodina of Kansas City, KS on June 25, 2006. They built their home outside of Linwood, KS, where Bob enjoyed the rural setting, working outside and taking care of his dog. His greatest joy was being around his grandchildren and attending their many activities. He was a familiar face in the stands where he continued to “coach”.
Survivors include his wife Sharon, his daughters, Barclay Hagen of Lawrence and Brianne Cook (Casey) of Lawrence; stepson, Jed Rodina (Medea) of Basehor; and stepdaughter, Katie Brooks (Billy) of Tonganoxie; nine grandchildren: Harleigh, Grayson and Brogan Hagen; Cayman, Kiyana, and Brittyn Cook; Lana and Stella Rodina; and Carter Brooks; twin brother, Bill Brown of Garden Plain, KS; sisters Rita Brown of Kinsley, KS and Vicky Leitner (Royse) of Oberlin, KS; and many nieces and nephews.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Robert C. and Evelyn Brown; sister CaraLee Brown; and three nephews.
A celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Open visitation will be Friday, December 28, 2018 from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. Visitation with family receiving friends will be Saturday, December 29, 2018 from 1:00-2:00 pm.
Memorials are suggested to Wyandotte High School Athletics to be used for the wrestling program where he dedicated so many years. Donations may be sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
I wanna send my Condolences to my highschool coach brown & family! He was the best coach that believe in me to win every wrestling match & I almost did … I wanna thank him for the wrestling skills he tought me & being a great friend ! Much Love Coach Brown … someday I see you up in heaven … 1 Love from … Anthony Loudermilk… 98lbs & 105lbs wrestling…
Coach Brown was old school. He instilled discipline and a desire for success in each student and athlete he interacted with. He was a man of integrity, confidence and thoughtfulness . He really cared for the kids he coached and taught. He will be missed. RIP Coach.
Bob Brown, a dynamic person inside and out. Not did he only love the job as coach, but also the students he coached. He took a stand for us, many as myself were without fathers in the home and he filled such voids (I’m forever grateful). He pushed us as athletes but also in mannerisms, in character and doing what it took in classroom stay eligible with grades. Coach Brown always was rocking them cowboys boots too. Many prayers to his family and those whose lives were touched by him. May his legacy live throughout the sand prints of time.
Rest well coach,
Michael Portley,
My prayers are with the family of Coach Brown. Coach was a big part of my life as a young man that carried into my life as an adult. He started coaching me as a freshman in high school, from football to wrestling; all throughout my four years in high school. When I first joined his wrestling team, I fell in love with the sport and the way he coached. He taught me the real meaning of hard work and those values stayed with me throughout my life. I will never forget that. Coach Brown, you will always be a big part of my life and with that- rest well Coach.
With love!
Big E
Cousin Bob was one of the great storytellers. I never tired of hearing him share his experiences with his wrestlers and the impact he made on their lives! Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends who have truly lost a great man! Forever in our hearts!
My heart and prayers are with your family. So sorry for your loss.
Coach Brown was my Social Studies teacher at Wyandotte High School. He was always kind, firm when it was needed and had a great sense of humor. My favorite memory of him was when he and another teacher pulled a small prank on my best friend and me at school! Definitely one of the best teachers and coaches to ever grace the halls of Wyandotte. My sincere condolences and prayers to the family. Rest peacefully, Coach. You will surely be missed.
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you & your family for peace & comfort.
We were very blessed to of known Bob.
He will be missed by many.
Our love and prayers to Sharon and family.
Coach Brown was a part of my life from elementary school until high school graduation. He was my teacher, coach and gave me a summer job. Recalling him always put a smile on my face and warm spot in my heart. Rest In Peace Coach.
My prayers to all of the family! He was truly one of the best!?
Condolences to the Brown family. Coach Brown also coached me in football and he doesn’t get the credit he deserves in that sport. He helped so many kids and he’s the true definition of a teacher/Coach. He will truly be missed. Wyandotte Forever
Bob Brown was a man. That was one tough dude, except he cared so deeply for others. If the world was filled with Bob Browns, we would all be OK. I saw a former student from the 1990s recently at Home Depot, who we had cut in basketball. He went to wrestling and loved Coach Brown. Bob Brown simply walked the walk.
I am deeply shocked and saddened to learn of Bob’s death. We had such a nice visit in May when we attended our 55th class reunion in Oberlin. My deepest sympathy to all his family.
It was a pleasure to work with Bob at Wyandotte. Last year I met an Uber driver (2nd job) who wrestled for Bob and he spent the entire ride telling me how much Coach Brown had impacted his life. It was quite the tribute.
I remember having to go to a Fort Hays State wrestling meet as my dad was on the school board and they were trying to recruit him to come Stockton. Always enjoyed watching him coach!!!
Coach Brown was a awesome teacher and a great person.He was one of those once in generation teachers that really cared about not just his students but all students. He will be forever a Bulldog. R.I.P. Prayers to his friends and family.
Coach Brown was one of the biggest influence on my life. He treat me and all his wrestler like we were his own kids.He exemplified the meaning of how a MAN should carry themselves and live. He was truly a blessing to all he coached and will be forever missed, thanks for everything coach.
Amazing Man, Coach, Teacher, and Mentor. He taught us all so much! Many memories, and the utmost Respect for you Coach.
This was a man that not only saved my life but also help changed my life. He took a boy from the intercity and help him become a man. Coach Brown will always be a part of me
God bless your family! Great man who blessed so many.
To the entire Brown family my prayers and condolences in this difficult time. He was a great man. May the perpetual light shine upon him
Bob was a fellow teacher and my friend at Wyandotte. I loved working all of the wrestling meets at school and saw how his athletes loved and respected him, going above and beyond for their Coach……a high tribute and lasting legacy.
I knew Bob and his brother Bill from when I was highschool wrestling they were both coaching at the time, always enjoyed visiting with both Brown’s very awesome people. My condolences to the Brown family, they lost a father, brother, coach and wrestling lost a good man!
Coach Brown friend for life. You were a mentor to many of us. RIP.
Bob was always a postive man, great coach, mentor and friend, sadly missed by all, he was friends with other coaches, refs and everyone he met, prayers dear family for your loss.