Obituary of Donald Brown

Donald Hubert Brown, Jr., 71, of Niles, passed away at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, on Monday, July 24, 2017. Don was born on February 22, 1946, to the late Donald and Imogene (Gilliam) Brown in Memphis, Tennessee. After graduating from high school Don went on to enlist in the United States Army where he served as a Helicopter Mechanic during Viet Nam. He then went on to earn his welding certification. On March 25, 1972, Don wed Wanda Heath at a ceremony in South Bend. Together the two raised six children. Don was an avid hunter and fisherman who was extremely devoted to his family. Don's family always came first in his life. He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife, Wanda; children, Robert (Angela) Brown of Huntsville, Arkansas, Robin (Michael) Flannery of Niles, Karla (Scott) Brown-Tesch of Berryville, Arkansas, Donald "Bud" Brown, Sr. of Niles, Charles Repine of Niles, and Ronda Brown of Niles; 14 grandchildren who lovingly referred to him as "Papa"; several great grandchildren; sister Susan (James) Doty of Conners, Georgia; and several extended family members and close friends. In keeping with Don's wishes, he has been cremated and his family will be remembering him at a memorial gathering at Robin & Mike Flannery's home, located at 33691 US Highway 12 E. beginning at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26, 2017.