Richard T Brown

Richard Todd Brown (Rich), a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away Friday, August 5th, 2022 at the age 71.

Rich was born to Charles and Dorothy (Mau) Brown in Chicago, IL. The second of three children, after becoming an Eagle Scout and graduating from high school he attended Northern Illinois University obtaining his Bachelors of Science degree. During college, Rich enlisted in the United States Air Force Reserves as a Personnel Specialist. Finally, while working at a local bank during the day, he put himself through the Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago-Kent School of Law. His entire life was deeply attached to the law. As early as 8 years old, inspired by Perry Mason, Rich knew he wanted to be a lawyer.

Following graduation from law school, Rich was commissioned a Captain in the United States Air Force as a member of the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps. Assigned to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base as the Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) he was the Area Defense Counsel defending airmen before completing his Active-Duty period in 1981. For the next 9 years, Rich continued his service to the nation as a Drilling Reservist serving as the SJA for the 906th Tactical Fighter Group before retiring as a Major in 1991. Additionally, Rich simultaneously built a successful family law practice in Fairborn, OH which he retired from after 35 years. He won cases, praise and respect for his fierce loyalty to his clients, his skill as a litigator, his ethical conduct and professional integrity, and his talent for negotiating resolutions that provided fairness and justice. As with other parts of his life, Rich gave back to the legal community contributing his legal expertise to the Greene County and Ohio Bar Association. Significant case law regarding the rights of military members in all courts across the United States stands as some of his greatest legal achievements and his work is cited as precedent in preserving those rights.

On October 4th, 1980 Rich married the love of his life, Carol. He was devoted to Carol, who was his rock and anchor. She was also the string that allowed his kite to soar. His children were his pride and joy. Rich’s love for Chris and Rick knew no bounds. No visit or phone call with Rich was complete without him telling you of their accomplishments or potential. He was happiest when the family was under one roof together, and the house filled with their laughter and enthusiasm. He also leaves behind an enormous circle of friends and colleagues whose lives he enriched. We remember his warmth and optimism along with his wisdom and intelligence. Simply put, he made things better.

Rich loved movies, catching fish (not fishing), and ballroom dancing with his wife. Over the years, he became a skilled ballroom dancer and was an active member at the Dayton Dance Center.

Rich is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Dorothy (Mau) Brown.

Rich is survived by his loving wife, Carol; his children, Christopher (Heidi) and Rick (Doris) Brown; brother, Robert; sister, Nancy; three grandchildren, Abigail, Luke, and Alyssa Brown, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

There will be a visitation at Routsong Funeral Home in Kettering on Thursday, August 18, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. which will be followed by the service at 12:30 p.m. Immediately following the service, friends are invited to travel with the family for an honorary military ceremony prior to internment at Dayton National Cemetery. Please visit www.routsong.com for additional details.

Guests are cordially invited to join the family for a gathering at the Hilton Garden Inn, Carnation Room C/D located at 3520 Pentagon Park Boulevard, Beavercreek, OH 45431 at 3:30 p.m. for a light meal, refreshments and friendship/camaraderie.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made in Rich’s memory to the Semper Fi Fund for wounded veterans.