Byron Allen "Bob" Brown

Byron Allen "Bob" Brown was born on May 5, 1956, in Bakersfield, the youngest of four children to Annie Beatrice Lyons Brown and Sam Brown. From an early age, he was affectionately known as "Bob," a nickname given to him by his older brother Larry who couldn't quite pronounce "Byron." Bob embraced the name and never looked back.

Growing up in Wasco, Bob was always drawn to music. He sang in the choir at Truelight Baptist Church, and in his early teens he learned to play the drums. He was a natural and quickly mastered the instrument. His musical talent led him to join the local band, Clear Day. During this time, Bob was a drum major in the Wasco Union High School marching band and a high hurdler and high jumper on the track team. Many times, Bob would race from a track meet or marching band performance to make it to a gig with Clear Day. Later, while Clear Day was on tour in Oklahoma, he entered a "last man standing" all-night roller-skating competition and was crowned "Roller Skate King!"

Bob met the love of his life, Diana "Deannie" Espinoza Brown, in 1974. In January 1976, Bob and Deannie were blessed with their son, Robert "Miko" Brown. In 1979, Bob began working for the Wasco Public Utilities District (WPUD), which later became the City of Wasco Water Department, from which he retired after 30 years of service.

Bob was known as a jack-of-all-trades. During his years with the Water Department, Bob could be found cowboying (moving cattle, breaking horses, shoeing horses, team roping, etc.), DJ-ing parties and events, plumbing, bartending, barbecuing or cooking for various events, and as a founding member playing the drums and singing in Mixed Company, until he was hospitalized. Bob was also the drummer and a singer in the Wasco Active 20/30 Club's "Plenty-Thirsty Band," which was arguably the crowd favorite during the annual Wasco Rose Festival Parade. The band members would be dressed as clowns, bounce on their floats, throw candy to the kids and play loud music throughout the parade route.

Bob loved spending time outdoors, whether fishing, enjoying the mountains at Monache Meadows or taking trips to Lake Tahoe with his bride, Deannie. He also cherished his visits to see his son and his family in Huntsville, Ala.

Bob was known for his larger-than-life personality. He had a special ability to make anyone feel like family, and if he gave you a nickname, you knew you were "in." His humor and wit were contagious, and he could make you laugh until you cried. Bob's heart was big, and he was always there for those who needed him.

Though he didn't have a formal church home, Bob had a deep faith and rededicated his life to Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior on Oct. 5, and it was on Nov. 15, while surrounded by family, that Bob became absent from his body to dwell in the presence of the Lord.

Bob leaves behind his loving wife, Diana "Deannie" Brown; son, Robert "Miko" Brown (Meredith "Meri"); and grandchildren Elizabeth "Belle" Hardin (Cody), Claudia "Kya" Hampel (Jay), Robert "Beau" Brown Jr. (Kylie), and Samuel "Blake" Brown, all of the Huntsville, Ala., area; as well as many nieces and nephews, including his special nieces Ebony Williams of Bakersfield and Allison Molina of Bakersfield; and special nephew Robert "RJ" Espinoza (Tracy) of McFarland.

Bob was deeply loved by many close friends, who were considered family, including David Lucas, Mitchell Maxey and Vincent Nolden. In addition, Bob loved and was loved by all his siblings. He leaves behind a sister, Pamela Shugart, of Wasco. He was preceded in death by his parents, Annie and Sam, and siblings Larry Brown and Linda Reed.

Graveside services will be held Friday, Nov. 22, at 2 p.m. at Wasco Memorial Park, 300 Leonard Ave.