Dr. Robert D. Brown, 94, formerly of 223 N. Sturgeon St., St. Marys, and a resident of Otterbein St. Marys Retirement Community, died at 4 a.m. April 26, 2008, at Otterbein.

He was born March 27, 1914, in Wapakoneta, to Almond and Gina Chiesa Brown. On Dec. 27, 1943, he married Loretta Huysman, who died Jan. 9, 2003.

Surviving are a daughter, Linda K. (Glenn) Fisher, Elida; three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Deceased are a brother, Ordell, and a sister, Dorothy Brown.

He retired as an optometrist in 1989. He practiced for over 50 years, first in Van Wert and then in St. Marys. He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, St. Marys, where he had been a member of the choir for over 55 years, serving as director for a time. He played in the dance band, the Rhapsodiers, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge and American Legion, all in St. Marys, the Benovolent and Protective Order of Elks, Wapakoneta, and the Idlewild St. Marys Outing Club. He was a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy and was a graduate of St. Joseph High School in Wapakoneta and the Illinois College of Optometry.

Funeral Mass is 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. Anthony Cutcher, officiating. Burial with military rites conducted by the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, is at Gethsemane Cemetery, St. Marys.

Calling is 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys, and one hour prior to the Mass on Wednesday, at the funeral home.

Contributions can be made to Friends of Holy Rosary School or Otterbein St. Marys Benevolence Fund.