Lorend “Rocky” Brown, age 71, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away at 11 A.M. on Sunday, March, 22, 2020 at his home after losing his battle with brain cancer. Rocky was born on October, 11, 1948 in Evansville, Indiana to the late James E. Brown and Enola (Compton) Duke. He was a graduate of Bosse High School. He also served in the Army, fought in the Vietnam War and was a Purple Heart recipient.
He worked for numerous construction companies throughout his life, including his own and he was a licensed plumber. Rocky loved nothing more than racing, especially dirt track racing. He spent his life either participating as a race car driver, being part of the pit crew, or traveling to nearby racetracks to be a spectator. He was also proud to be a part of the Brown Bleacher Bums family at Tri-State Speedway.
When not at a race, he could be found having a beer or simply hanging out at the Marigold Bar. Most everyone would say that Rocky was rough around the edges and had a colorful vocabulary. He was never quite the family man and would be considered rather unconventional is his ways. He always did things his own way on his own schedule. He would always help someone in need; just not necessarily when you needed it… but likely hours or even days later. This trait is what helped him gain the nickname of F.A. Brown.
Whether you loved or hated the man, one thing is certain – he was not a man easily forgotten when you had the experience of meeting him.
Rocky is survived by his daughter, April Smith (Derrick); son, Jay Brown (Danielle); grandchildren, Jaidyn Smith, Lyrehc Smith, and Madison Brown; step-dad, Harry Duke; brother, Teddy Brown (Pam); step-sisters, Ramona Duke Turner and Ralina Armstrong (Phil); significant other, Catherine Patton; several nieces and nephews as well as several great-nieces and great-nephews.
Rocky is preceded in death by his wife, Cheryl (Jones) Brown and his older brother, James “Jimmy” Brown.
Funeral services will be private. Due to COVID-19, there will be no visitation or celebration of life at this time. In celebration of Rocky, go enjoy a beer/beverage of choice and /or attend a race at Tri-State Speedway this upcoming season.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to his grandchildren’s college funds at any Old National Bank branch under the ‘For the Benefit of Rocky Brown’.
Simple Cremation Evansville is entrusted with care.
Jay says
Love ya pop! Thank you everyone.
Mary Sutherland says
Ted, Pam and family.. I am so sorry for your loss.
Ann (Vail) Goodman says
Having known Rocky for a very long time I can remember the good times he had with my brother, Alan. They have been united once again..
My thoughts are with your family at this sad time. Ann (Vail) Goodman
John Cohen says
I met Rocky when he framed my home back in the fall of 1980 as Pro Construction. I especially enjoyed working with him and his crew. He had some very good suggestions along the way and I appreciated the effort and quality of the work they did. I didn’t get to see Rocky again but I remembered him and wanted his family to know.
I’m sorry for your loss and condolences to all his family.