Don Brown, 80

Donald Lee Brown (Don) of Berrien Springs was known for his ability to “fix anything.” His journey began in 1943 when he was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He continued until graduating to Heaven on September 30, 2023 at the age of 80.

Don didn’t complain, but as a child and throughout his life, he endured the abdominal pain of Crohn’s Disease. Later he developed Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) which kept him homebound in later life. He had a quiet compassion for others. He would love it if you donated to St. Jude’s or Shriner’s Hospitals for Children.

Don attended Immaculate Conception Catholic School and Three Rivers High School. In high school he played tennis and football. More importantly, that is where he met Myrna (Sills). They dated for 4 years and then were married for 60 years. Both will tell you 64 years is a LONG TIME.

Don was inventive. If he needed a tool, or something that was not available, he would create it himself. If it was broken, he would make improvements while he fixed it. He really enjoyed the challenge. He tried out many occupations as a maintenance mechanic, but small engine repair fit him best. He had his own shop for years while they lived in Florida.

When not tinkering in the garage, or fixing something for someone, Don loved fishing of all types. He also enjoyed hunting, black powder cannons and pistols, Tigers baseball, and was a fan of early NASCAR.

Don and Myrna had two little mechanics. Being a hands-on type of guy, Don shared his enthusiasm of all things mechanical with his sons, as well as the love of cannons, guns, cars, and motorcycles. Because he allowed his boys to learn by trying, there were times his tools would disappear, or something would be taken apart but not put back together.

Throughout his time with us, Don loved many things, but nothing more than his family. He loved his wife Myrna, sons Michael (Cindy) and Charlie (Cyndi), 8 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren, nieces Pati and Sandy, and nephew Kurt.

Don passed his toolbox to his sons so he could be reunited in Heaven with his mother Corinne, father Don, brother Bill, niece Dawn (and many other family and friends). We are confident he is finding out from his dad and brother where all the best fishing spots are. Can’t imagine there would be any bad ones in Heaven.

A visitation will be held Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 1:00 to 4:00 at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers.