Robert M. Browning

Robert Mitchell Browning PhD (Dr Bob) passed away February 9, 2026 at Livingston Health Care at the age of 87 with family at his side.

He was born on August 22, 1938, in Rhinebeck, NY, to the late Harry Paul Browning Sr. and Dorabelle Mitchell Browning Husted. He spent his formative years in Pleasant Valley, NY. Following high school, he pursued further education in Wooster, OH, Kalamazoo, MI, and Oxford, MS, ultimately earning a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) in 1966. During his time at Ole Miss, he formed a friendship with James Meredith, the university's first African American student—a significant milestone in the history of the civil rights movement.

After graduation he moved to Wisconsin where he began his 31 year career helping, as he described, some of the most difficult populations of individuals needing mental health support. Starting with serving the severely disabled Autistic. He was the founder and director of Child Psychology Clinic and School and Voyageur Group Home in Madison Wisconsin. From there he would do research and subsequently author Behavior Modification in Child Treatment along with colleague Donald Stover. Additionally, he authored Teaching the Severely Handicapped Child.

He consistently advocated for those needing mental health support, offering services to a private high school, group homes for teens, nursing homes, rehab centers, a criminally insane facility, and his private practice.

Dr. Bob served as a clinical instructor in Psychiatry, was a guest lecturer for Behavioral Disabilities, and held an honorary assistant professorship in Neurology at the University of Wisconsin.

His dedication led him to help propose a bill for psychologist licensure in Wisconsin. The bill, "Chapter 455," became law in 1977, granting formal recognition to the profession.

Bob had many interests including farming in Wisconsin, sailing the Great Lakes, flying his airplane to work and to see family in Virginia and North Carolina, hunting deer and upland game, fishing trout streams in Wisconsin and later the Shields and Yellowstone in Montana. He enjoyed woodworking, making several pieces of furniture for his family.

The year 1998 marked a significant turning point in his life. After being diagnosed with cancer, he was compelled to retire from his psychology practice so he could undergo surgery and treatment. That same year, he met his soulmate, Sandra Eilbes of Beaver Dam, WI, and they married in 2001. In 2002, the couple relocated to New Palestine, Indiana, where they remained until 2020. Together, they enjoyed sailing, flying, camping, and fishing, embarking on memorable adventures such as sailing in the Virgin Islands, flying to the Bahamas, and spending many summers camping in Livingston. They moved permanently to Livingston in 2020.

As a father, he loved sharing these experiences with his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Sandra; his children Eric (Vivian) of Ladera Ranch, CA, and their children Raelyn, Raiya, and Evan; Rebecca of San Francisco and her children Tiffany and Elijah; Nathaniel (Nicholle Bellerive) of Livingston, MT; Shannon (Ashley) of Livingston, MT, and their daughters Violet and Savannah; Zabrina (Jeremy) Smith of Stoughton, WI, and their children Micah, Espen, and Sayla. He is also survived by his brother Chester (Linda Maraya) of Houlton, ME, and sister Angell Husted of Palmyra, VA.

Over the years, he cherished spending time with numerous friends in Wisconsin and Indiana. He was always eager to attend gatherings and frequently took on the role of cook.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Harry Paul Browning Jr. ("Buzz"), Jobirta ("DoDo") Feroe, his son Kevin, and grandson Rowan Smith.

A service will be held at St. Mary’s Church on Saturday, February 14th, 2026. Visitation will begin at 9 am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am. A graveside service at Calvary Cemetery will take place afterwards.