from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Robert J. “R. J.” Brown, 90, of Troy, Ohio, died Oct. 14, 2014, at his residence.

He was born in Spring Valley, Ohio, on August 14, 1924, to the late Robert and Mabel (Craig) Brown.

He was married to Doris and she preceded him in death along with his companion, Shirley Anne (Brown) Trees. Mr. Brown is also survived by his daughter, Carol (Mark) Winters; step-son, Robert (Melissa) Mount; step-daughter, Kathy (Charles) Coon; and granddaughters, Devan Miller and Katelyn Mount. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Charles; and sister, Vivian Baughman.

Mr. Brown was a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran of World War II.

He was a Standardbred owner, trainer and driver since 1951. He was self employed with a public stable. He started his racing career in 1951 at the Miami County Fairgrounds. He won more than 1,900 races and more than $2.5 million during his career of 60-plus years.

He was a member of Troy Eagles Post #971, Troy Fish & Game Club and a life member of Troy Elks Post #833. He was in the Ohio Harness Horseman’s Hall of Fame, Northfield Park Horseman’s Wall of Fame, and was inducted in the Troy Hall of Fame in 2011.

For his hobbies, he was an avid golfer.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday (Oct. 18) at Fisher-Cheney Funeral Home, Troy, with Rev. Ed Ellis officiating. Visitation will be from 12-2 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home prior to the service. An Honor Guard Service will be performed by the Veterans Memorial Honor Guard of Troy to follow the funeral service. Interment will be in Spring Valley Cemetery, Spring Valley, Ohio, at a later date.

Condolences may be left for the family at fisher-cheneyfuneralhome.com.