Donald E. Brown

Donald E. Brown, better known as Don, Dad, Paw- Paw, and GGPaw, passed away in his home surrounded by his loving family on May 1, 2017. He was born in Mishawaka to Karl and Marie Brown and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School. He was a Korean War Vet, serving in the US Army from 1951 to 1953 in Germany. He worked most of his life as a controller for General Liquors and Choitz. In his free time, he served at the Rotary Club, as president of the St. Joseph County 4-H Fair Board, and as sexton for the Hamilton Church and Cemetery Board. He also attended New Prairie Christian Church. But above all, he was a family man. He married his wife Judith Kleine on May 22, 1954, who survives. He and Judy raised five children, then welcomed another five through marriage. They have 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He is Dad to Craig (Sheryl) Brown of Granger, Indiana, Pam (Tom) Monroe of New Carlisle, Indiana, Becky (Dave) Mast of Goshen, Indiana, Kevin (Val) Brown, and Sandi (Terry) Downs of Altus, Oklahoma. He is Paw-Paw to Leah (Jason) Craft, Sarah (Josh) Holewczynski, Ryan (Hilary) Brown, Drew, Stephanie, and Eric Brown and Ashleigh & Tera Downs. He is GGPaw to Evey, Isaac, Ezra, Ezekiel, and Norah. He is also survived by his brother James (Juanita) Brown of South Bend, Indiana and sister Marilyn (Tom) Hill of Greenville, South Carolina. Both Don’s parents, Karl and Marie (Miller) Brown and one brother, Bob, preceded him in death. Don was always very proud of his children and grandchildren and their accomplishments. He taught by example, and lived a life of generosity, kindness, and humility. He could never pass up leftovers (we called him the garbage can), always had a handkerchief to offer, and would always greet you with an enthusiastic “Howdy do”. Visitation for Don will be from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 201 S. Filbert St., New Carlisle. A funeral service will take place at 2:00 p.m EST on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at Hamilton Church in New Carlisle, with visitation for one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Hamilton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that all donations be made to the Hamilton Cemetery Foundation or to the Center for Hospice Care. Online condolences may be left at www.kaniewski.com.