Donald "Don" Brown

Donald "Don" Brown, 54, passed away at his home January 6, 2025.

Donald was born January 20, 1970 in Des Moines to Willard and Donna Brown. He was a lifelong “Southsider”. Donald graduated from Lincoln High school in 1989 where he excelled in soccer, track and cross country. He later coached his son’s youth soccer team. Some of the brightest moments in his life were the adoption of his son Shane, birth of his daughter Chelsie, and time spent with his three grandchildren. Donald received an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice which led to his career at YESS, now Ellipsis, where he had worked since 2012. He transitioned to Maintenance Facility Manager in 2015. Donald touched a lot of lives, both staff and youth during his career at YESS/Ellipsis.

He loved the Des Moines Buccaneers and the Iowa Hawkeyes and he was a huge Caitlyn Clark fan. Donald was also an avid Cowboys fan. His faith was very important to him. When Donald was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer he and his family began working on his “bucket list.” By the grace of God they were able to complete it just before his passing.
1. He and his family rented a private suite for a Des Moines Buccaneers game.
2. He flew for the first time to Cape Meares, Oregon to visit his Aunt Kathy. While in Oregon, he saw the mountains and the ocean, both first time experiences.
3. He went to his first Iowa Hawkeyes game, not just any game, it was Homecoming and he had suite tickets. As an added bonus, Caitlyn Clark was attending the game, so he was able to see her as well.
4. He wanted to hold his third grandchild, which he was able to accomplish during his last hospital stay, just two weeks ago.
Donald is survived by his children, Chelsie (Caden Koller) Brown and Shane (Cara Brown) Brown; grandchildren, Chase Brown, Paislee Koller and Starlee Koller; brothers, Willie (Teresa) Brown and Jeff (Stephanie) Brown; parents, Willard and Donna Brown; nephews, Rodney Brown and Blake Brown; partner, Brenda; and a host of extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandma, Kate Brown; grammy, Arlene Reinhart; and his fur companion of 14 years, Theodore.

A memorial service will be held on his 55th birthday, Monday, January 20, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Eastside Church of the Nazarene, 1451 E. 25th Street.

Memorial contributions may be directed to his grandchildren.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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