Becker-Rabon Funeral Home
Memorial service for Donald Brown will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 20, 2024, in the Becker-Rabon Funeral Home Chapel with Deacon Tom Biles of Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church, Apache, Oklahoma officiating.
Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Apache, Oklahoma.
Arrangements are under the direction of Becker-Rabon Funeral Home.
Donald Young Brown, of Apache, Oklahoma passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at the age of 86 years. He was born on September 10, 1938, at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to Jack Burt and Elizabeth (Young) Brown. Growing up in a military family, Don lived in various locations, including Cement, Oklahoma; Fort Logan, Colorado; Cache, Oklahoma; and Lawton, Oklahoma. At the age of 17, he joined the Army National Guard, serving until he was 19.
Don worked tirelessly throughout his life, beginning his career driving delivery trucks and working in the oil field before transitioning to Civil Service. He dedicated 33 years to the government, retiring in 1999 from Fort Sill's Post Engineers. Known for his strong work ethic, Don often held two jobs simultaneously to provide for his family, never once complaining.
Don's personal life was marked by love and resilience. He married Mary Smith in 1960, and together they had two children. After their marriage ended in divorce, Don found love again and married Norma Robinson in 1974. They shared 22 years of marriage and adopted a daughter before Norma's passing in 1995. On March 30, 1996, Don married Anita Hrbacek in Apache, Oklahoma. The couple enjoyed 24 wonderful years together, with some of their happiest times spent as permanent Winter Texans in South Texas. Don cherished the warm weather and the lasting friendships he and Anita formed with people from across the U.S. and Canada. Anita passed away in December 2020.
Don was a man of faith, kindness, and wisdom. He deeply valued family and friendships, often hosting gatherings in his shop, especially around a pool table. He was known for his sharp sense of humor, thoughtful demeanor, and ability to see the good in everyone. Rarely did he have an unkind word to say about anyone. In his free time, Don enjoyed crossword puzzles, watching the news, and immersing himself in documentaries that expanded his knowledge. He had a keen interest in politics and current events and relished discussing them with anyone willing to engage.
Don's legacy is one of love, laughter, and a life well-lived. His warmth, wisdom, and humor will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Don is survived by his son, Lane and wife Jackie Brown of Elgin, Oklahoma and his daughter, Traci and husband John Wills of Apache, Oklahoma, six grandchildren, Candice Brown of Hibbing, Minnesota, Kaci and husband Jared Head of Apache, Oklahoma, Kyla and husband Jose Cachero of Fort Worth, Texas, Grant and wife Becca Wills of Apache, Oklahoma, Landon and wife Brittney Brown of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Jacee Brown of Honolulu, Hawaii. He was blessed with eight great grandchildren with a ninth and tenth on the way. He often said his grandchildren and the greats were the best and brightest part of these later years, when his health was failing. He will be missed beyond measure by his family and friends that were left behind.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Anita Brown, a daughter Linda Braun, brothers, Bill and Alfred Brown, and sister Evelyn Walker.
Don's family will forever be grateful to Don's sister-in-law, better known as our Aunt Carol (Blackstock), for sharing a household with him. With Anita's passing, Aunt Carol's willingness to help maintain a household and prepare meals allowed Don to remain independent and in his own home as his health was failing. We will NEVER be able to thank her enough, she is a true testament to the meaning of family, and we love and appreciate her.
An online guest book and sympathy cards are available at www.beckerfuneral.com
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