R.A. "Rob" Brown, Jr

R.A."Rob" Brown, Jr. of Throckmorton, Texas, passed away peacefully Friday, November 7, 2025.

Rob was born on April 4, 1936, to Valda (Thomas) Brown and R.A. Brown Sr. He was the fourth generation raised on the family's R.A. Brown Ranch, where his love of the land and livestock began. His children and grandchildren loved hearing him reminisce of his childhood adventures of cowboying, hunting, and fishing.

He graduated from Throckmorton High School in 1954, where he enjoyed athletics, stock showing, and rodeoing. At the age of fifteen, he met the love of his life, Peggy Donnell.

Rob and Peggy pursued their degrees at Texas Tech University in the 1950s where they were both active leaders in multiple student organizations. They married in 1957. Rob earned his B.S. in Animal Husbandry in 1958 while battling dyslexia before much was known about its challenges. He attributes his diploma to the help of his beloved Peg. Their love and service to Texas Tech has been passed down through generations and recently earned the family the inaugural Texas Tech Davis College Family Legacy Award.

After graduation, they returned to the family ranch and raised their four children. Over the decades, Rob cemented the diverse legacy of the R.A. Brown Ranch with a Quarter Horse breeding program focused on meeting a cowboy's needs; seedstock herds of various cattle breeds; commercial cow-calf herds; as well as stocker, cattle feeding, and wheat farming operations. While they were busy running a ranch and raising a family, they modeled service and leadership. Rob was a leader and innovator in the ranching industry holding national roles including AQHA President and Director, NCBA Director, TSCRA Director, American Simmental Association President among others. Rob received industry honors including being inducted into the Livestock Industry Hall of Fame Saddle and Sirloin Club, the AQHA Hall of Fame, honored as the nation's top rancher with the Golden Spur Award, and many other recognitions in the agriculture industry. He helped establish the Texas Ranch Roundup, the world's first ranch rodeo, as an effort to maintain the traditions of cowboys and working horses, while raising money for local charities.

Rob was an avid outdoorsman and had many memorable hunting and fishing adventures with family and friends. He shared this love with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren leaving them with many special memories and life lessons. Always a dog lover, Rob raised many a ranch terrier and bird dog. Rob was passionate about the ranch, and "making a circle" in his red Ford pickup was a daily necessity even in his later years. Checking his mares and foals was his favorite circle to make, proudly pointing out his prized gray horses.

Above all, Rob adored his wife, Peggy. Out of all of his many achievements, his greatest pride was his family. He loved them deeply and never hesitated to express his love in words and an occasional "whisker kiss" for the grandkids.

A lifetime member of the First Methodist Church, Rob's deep voice could be heard each Sunday reciting the Lord's Prayer from his regular pew. The large mesquite cross hanging in the front of the sanctuary was handmade by Rob. He had a strong faith that carried him through life's challenges. His signature mealtime blessing is imprinted on his family's hearts, "...guide us and direct us. Help us to be of Thy service and do Thy will. Amen." In his later years he shared that he knew his time was coming, and he would be with Jesus soon.

Rob is preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Marianne Merrick Bachman.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Peggy Brown, and children Betsy Bellah and husband Jody of Throckmorton, Rob A. Brown and wife Talley of Stinnett, Texas, Marianne McCartney and husband Todd of Throckmorton, and Donnell Brown and wife Kelli of Throckmorton. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, brother-in-law George Donnell, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family expresses gratitude for the love and care provided to Rob by his caregivers Rachel, Sarah, Monna, and Jackie.

The family will receive friends Monday, November 10, from 4:30 - 6:00 at the First Methodist Church in Throckmorton, Texas, 220 N. Reynolds.

He will be laid to rest in the Brown Family Cemetery at a private family burial Tuesday, November 11 at 10:00. A Memorial Service will be held at the First Methodist Church in Throckmorton at 11:00 under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Homes. Following the service, everyone is invited to a time of fellowship with the family and a meal for all at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Methodist Church PO Box 686 Throckmorton, TX 76483, Ranching Heritage Association 3121 Fourth St. Lubbock, TX 79329, or West Texas Rehab 4601 Hartford Abilene, TX 79605.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.smithfamilyfh.com.