Donald Brown
April 07, 2011
Donald C. Brown, 58, died Thursday, April 7, 2011, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born June 24, 1952, to Gordon and Carol Brown in Des Moines.
Donald graduated from Des Moines Technical High School, and then became a decorated Vietnam War veteran while serving in the Marines. He earned the Purple Heart, among other honors. Donald retired as a Lieutenant Fire Fighter from the Des Moines Fire Department in 2009 after 33 years of service.
Donald is survived by his children, Nickolas (Jennifer James) Brown and Matt (Emily) Brown; grandchildren, Kellie and Austin; parents, Gordon (Carol) Brown; sisters, Linda Klinefeldt, Betty Sue (Greg) Clark, and Cheryl (Tom) McBride; brother, Curt Ripperger; and a host of other family and beloved friends.
A memorial visitation will be held 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, April 11, 2011, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue. A private burial will occur at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family in loving memory of Donald.
Online condolences may be made to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Kellie Brown
07/12/2015
I'm Kellie, his granddaughter. I know it has been 4 years . And I just found this. But I think about him all the time . I miss him so much. Everything was easier when he was here. But at least he isn't hurting anymore . I love you grandpa. Hold in there . I'll see you in a while . I listen to your favorite song by brooks and Dunn a lot . : believe. You helped a lot of people . And changed their lives . Just like me . Your my hero. I hope you know that. I love and miss you so much. See you in a little while. - Kellie Jo
Kerry Baker
02/10/2013
Don Brown was a great Man, he helped me out a lot and cheered me up when I was going through the worst time of my life and I wish i had the chance to thank him for all he did for me because he helped change my life. It is truly sad to hear that he passed away. My deepest condolences go out to all of his family & friends.
Nancy McCarney
04/11/2011
Carol, Gordon, and all of the family
My deepest sympathy to you all in hearing of the passing of Don from this earthly existence. The treasured moments of his life will soar on in the hearts of you all.
As a butterfly lights beside you in your moments to come, know it is as Don's moments on earth, and even in that brief moment you take in its wonder and beauty you know it belonged in your corner of the world, and then in the next moment it spread its magical wings and soared in the winds, and while you watch and wish it could of stayed, you know you need only smile for you were blessed to have had that moment.
Blessings filled with love to all from my heart to yours.
Love, Nancy
Cinner Wagner
04/11/2011
MY CONDOLENCES ALL WHOM LOVED MR. BROWN--
Mr. Brown will be grately missed by many!! Althoygh he brough great Joy to my life(and occaionaly a big Pain in my backside) we all have lost a great friend and a great man! May we all selibrate his life for he is at peace,and with the ones he loved before-Cheers to you Mr. Brown-til we meet again!!!
With Lots of Love and Respect,
Cinner
P.S- I will always rember the "Woofta" and "Hooty Whos", and never forget that "you wnated to take me to the Parken lot"!!! :-)
LOVE YOU ALL
Sara Stark
04/11/2011
Even though I hadn't seen Don in a long time he won't be forgotten. I will always be greatful that he came to my rescue & fixed a fuse for me. He would even sound the fire truck's horn as he would fly by my house. My thoughts & prayers go out to his family.
Chris Craig
04/11/2011
Carol, Gordon and Family,
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of your son Don. While we cannot attend the visitition please know we have sent flowers for the services in honor of his memory. We were glad to hear Don was surrounded by family on his last day and know you have so many wonderful memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you celebrate his life.
Ken and Chris Craig and Family
(Friends of Carol Brown)
Sherri Traviss Pike
04/11/2011
So sorry to hear about Don, I just found out and I will be unable to attend the visitation. Please know Linda you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers right now. I know this must be a terrible loss to all of you. Jim and I have alot of memories of the boys playing soccer together, Jim and Don being the coaches.
Denise Andre'-Kelly
04/10/2011
I knew Don from grade school. I had a bad injury and after a few years of chasing me aroung the school room shooting staples at me, he got a chair, and lifted my leg onto it, and I fell in love with him at that moment. Something that has never gone away from this day. Needless to say, he continued to torment me, but I didn't mind. He was the most handsome, and thoughtful man, ever. Through out our young adult years, we done alot of things together, like grilling steaks, going over his Mom and Dad's, in my City car because I wanted him to think I was cool, LOL, and driving around in his truck with his Marine buddy.My brother and I took him out one night, and my friend went with us. That's the night he met the love of his life, Kellie, through my brother and I , and when Kellie passed on, I was around for a bit. I owe him so much. He saved my life one night. He helped me as a little girl, and I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for him being there for me years later. Thank you Don, I have never forgotten you, and I never will.