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.
