Robert Wendell Brown, age 89 of Hershey, passed away Thursday, August 23, 2018 at the North Platte Care Center.

Bob was born February 27, 1929 in Sutherland, NE to Marion J. and Mary E. (Applegate) Brown. He attended elementary school south of Sutherland and graduated from Sutherland Public School in 1946. He joined the Army in September 1946 and was stationed with the Occupational Forces in Japan. He was honorably discharged in January 1948. Bob was very proud of his military service and his claim to fame was being the youngest World War II veteran in Hershey. He attended the University of Nebraska – Lincoln until 1953. On June 20, 1953 he was united in marriage to Della R. Bogus at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in North Platte. They made their home on the farm south of Hershey. Bob was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Hershey School Board, Telephone Board, Coop, Rural Fire Board and was a founding member of Hershey Lion's Club for 55 years. He served on the Lincoln County Planning Commission, founder and co-chairman of Hershey Centennial and was instructional in the development of the Hershey Veteran's Memorial. In 2001 he and Della served as the Hershey Grand Marshalls. They received the Twin Platte Natural Resource Conservation Award in 1995. Bob was instrumental in planting over 14,000 trees and had over 70 different varieties in his yard. He loved to travel and had been to 20 foreign countries, every state in the United States, and every county in Nebraska.

Bob is survived by Della, his wife of 65 years; children Paul (Melissa) Brown, Cathy (Cary) Anthony, Marcia Huebner, Dennis (Peggy) Brown, and Susan (Warren) Best; 13 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; brother James (Kay) Brown; as well as other extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his infant daughter Sharon; his parents Marion and Mary Brown; and siblings Lucile, Georgia and Tom.

Memorials are suggested to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church or Hershey Public School Education Foundation and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com . Christian Wake Services will be held 7:00 p.m. Monday August 27, 2018 and Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday August 28, 2018 with the Reverends Arikotla Sagar and James Janovec officiating. Both services will be held at the Sacred Hearth Catholic Church in Sutherland. Burial will follow at the Riverview Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Monday August 27, 2018 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.