James "Bob" Brown ( Lebanon)'s Obituary
James Robert “Bob” Brown, son of James E. and Ellen Evans Brown, was born April 2, 1952, in Long Beach, California. He departed this life Thursday, November 29, 2012, in Mercy Hospital, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of sixty years, seven months, and twenty-seven days.
He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents.
Bob is survived by his parents, James E. and Ellen Brown, of Lebanon, Missouri; a sister, Dale Renee Lyerla, and her husband, Gary, of St. Louis, Missouri; a nephew, John Russell Lyerla, of St. Louis, Missouri; a godson, Jordan Spencer, of St. Louis, Missouri; as well as a host of other relatives and many friends.
He was born and raised in the Los Angeles and Palmdale, California areas, before moving with his family to Florissant, Missouri. He graduated from McCluer High School, where he was active in athletics. He continued his studies at the University of Missouri – Columbia, where he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees. He began his career in education in Camdenton, Missouri, and then taught in Mexico, Missouri until 1980. He taught in Chouteau, Oklahoma, before moving to Richland, Missouri. For the last several years, he had taught Chemistry and Geology in the Richland High School, and also was the coach of the Academic Tournaments. His students had been State Champions for seven years in a row, and he wrote the practice questions for the academic teams.
He was a member of several professional organizations and attended Richland athletic events. He had also coached basketball at one time. He enjoyed searching for fossils and collecting rocks. He also enjoyed bowling, and football, and liked playing Fantasy Football. He had a wonderfully sharp memory and liked helping students with their everyday problems. He enjoyed playing Pinnacle with his dad, and spending time with all of his family. He was especially fond of his dog, “Jake”, and his parents’ dog, “Jane Russell”, which he loved and they loved him in return.
Bob was a loving son, brother, uncle, and godfather, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and know that he will be fondly remembered as a loving family man, a dedicated and concerned teacher, a good co-worker, and as a true friend and mentor to many.
A Memorial has been established, to the Richland High School Science Dept., and donations may be left at the Funeral Home.
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