Robert "Bob" Elwood Adrian, age 71, of Brighton, Iowa, died on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, while farming in rural Brighton.

The son of Leonard and Gertrude Nash Adrian, Bob was born on October 25, 1954, in Washington, Iowa. Bob grew up in Keota and later moved to rural Washington. He graduated from Washington High School in 1972. He began farming alongside his dad and brothers as a teenager and started farming full-time after graduating high school.

On June 29, 1979, he married Nancy Ann Mineart in East Pleasant Plain. Bob and Nancy lived and farmed in rural Brighton and had two children, Amy and Mike.

Bob was made of tough stock and, like his crops at times, weathered many storms but overcame them to flourish. He farmed for more than 50 years, growing corn, beans, and hay, and raising Angus crossbred cattle. Bob knew every one of his fence rows, fields, and heads of cattle by heart. He worked tirelessly from sun up to sundown as a steward of the land and animals that he cared for. Despite physical limitations from a farming accident in 2007 and the passing of his wife Nancy in 2019, Bob continued to farm, which he did until the very end. He passed away doing what he loved on the land he nurtured.

The only thing that surpassed Bob's work ethic and passion for farming was his love for his family. Bob was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His eyes lit up and he had pride in his voice when talking about his children and grandchildren. He loved nothing more than time with his grandchildren, Adrian and Jackson, attending ball games, concerts, and plays, and helping with 4H projects, especially bucket-bottle calves.

On Washington County gravel roads, Bob could be found in the cab of a tractor or in his pickup traveling from field to field. He always had a wave and a smile for everyone who crossed his path. He would do anything for anyone and didn't know a stranger. Bob devoted his days working hard, helping others, and farming, and he devoted his life to his family, friends and neighbors.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Amy Green and husband John of Brighton, Iowa; son, Mike Adrian and husband James Buchholz of Waterloo, Iowa; two grandchildren: Adrian Green and Jackson Green, both of Brighton, Iowa; two brothers: Jim Adrian and Dave (Toni) Adrian; one sister, Linda (Dean) Wilson; sisters-in-law: Brenda Adrian and Lisa (Kevin) Clark; brother-in-law, Joe (Barb) Mineart; and many nieces, nephews, and great neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Nancy; brother, Steve Adrian; and sister Nancy P. Adrian.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in East Pleasant Plain, with the Fr. Jake Greiner officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery in East Pleasant Plain. Prayer Service will begin at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, August 3, 2026, at the church with visitation following until 8:00 p.m. The family has established a memorial fund to support a variety of organizations near and dear to Bob’s heart. Memorials may be left at the church or mailed to the family at 1575 335th St., Brighton, Iowa 52540. Online condolences may be sent for Bob’s family at www.jonesfh.com.

Bob’s family would like to thank the caring loving community of family, friends, neighbors, and caregivers who have supported the Adrians to allow Bob to live his best farmer life.

Funeral arrangements are in the care of Jones & Eden Funeral Home in Washington.