U.S. Sens. Mike Enzi and Tom Carper, D-Delaware, introduced a bill this week to honor former Thermopolis Postmaster Robert Brown by renaming a post office after him.
Brown, a lifelong resident of Thermopolis, passed away earlier this month at the age of 94. His career with the U.S. Postal Service spanned 44 years, including 18 years as the postmaster.
The bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Sen. John Barrasso, Brown’s son-in-law. Enzi also had a personal connection to the Brown family, as Brown’s wife Jerry was the senator’s first Sunday school teacher.
“Bob Brown will be sorely missed in his community and I can think of no better way to honor someone with such a long and storied career with the U.S. Postal Service, as well as with the people of Thermopolis, than to introduce this bill to name the Thermopolis post office after him,” Enzi said in a news release. “That historic building holds the memories of a veteran who came home to work and spent his entire career in that building, winding up as postmaster.”
Jerry Brown preceded her husband in death earlier this year, according to his obituary.
Brown passed away with family at his side at the Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions in Casper. According to his obit, Brown was known for his “ever-present smile” and kind manner.
“My father-in-law Bob Brown was an American hero who inspired everyone who was ever privileged to know him,” Barrasso said. “He was known by many in his hometown of Thermopolis as the nicest guy in town. After returning from serving in WWII and Korea, Bob served his community for many years as a postmaster. I would like to express my deep appreciation and admiration to Sens. Enzi and Carper for introducing this bipartisan legislation to honor Bob. I cannot think of a more fitting way to honor his service and his memory.”
The late postmaster graduated from Thermpolis High School in 1943 and was inducted into the U.S. Army in March 1944. He served in World War II and returned to service in 1950 in the Korean War as a member of the National Guard.
Following his WWII service, Brown returned to Thermpolis to begin his career with the USPS. While working there, he met his future wife and they were married Sept. 18, 1949, in Billings, Montana.
After retirement, Brown and his wife began delivering Meals on Wheels, which he enjoyed up until late last fall.
Besides Bobbi Barrasso, Brown is survived by his son Mike, a granddaughter and many other family members.
“I was never fortunate enough to meet Robert Brown, but I know that he dedicated his life to service — first in World War II, then in the Korean War and then for years in the U.S. Postal Service as a postmaster. And I know that our country is better for his lifetime of service to others,” Carper said. “I want to thank my colleague, Sen. Enzi, for graciously allowing me to be his wingman in this effort to rename the Thermopolis post office in Mr. Brown’s honor. While he’s no longer with us, I know that his memory will live on for generations in the community he served so well.”
