Donald Paul Brown

The well is capped and the rig is down. Donald Paul Brown has ended his earthly service and is now with his Savior, Jesus Christ in His heavenly mansion. After a brief battle with lung cancer, Donald passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on June 13, 2013. Don was born January 29, 1927 to Wayne and Edna Brown in the town of Key West, in Creek County, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Nora Lee Brown and Ruth Ligon and brothers Wallace and David. Don was married for 50 years to Emma Jean Hallum until her passing in 1997. He was later married to Jane Hessler until her death in 2012. Don is survived by his son, D. Wayne Brown and wife Christel of Longview, TX. His daughters Susie Childers and husband Gene of Yukon and Marty Cagle and husband Wayne of the Village. He is also survived by his step-daughter Cindy Hessler of Wichita, KS. Surviving also are his sisters Joan Farmer of Stroud and Nan Wilkerson of Lake Charles, LA as well as his brother Wayne Brown of Norman. He is survived by 14 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews. After graduating from Stroud HS, Don proudly served his country in WWII as a member of the United States Coast Guard. Upon his completion of duty, Don grabbed the opportunity to go to college utilizing the GI Bill, graduating from Tulsa University in 1950 with a degree in Geology. Don then embarked on a 63 year career in the oil business, primarily with Pet, Inc. and Darnell Drilling. Don and Jean's early years after graduation were spent in Tulsa where son Wayne was born. They later moved to Shreveport, LA for a few years which saw the addition of Susie and Marty to their family. They then moved to the OKC area in 1960, settling in the Village where he resided for the past 53 years. Don and Jean were long time members of Village Baptist Church. He more recently attended Ours Lords Lutheran Church where he and Jane had worshipped until his health began to decline. Don was indeed a believer who loved Jesus and was looking forward to the day he would join Him in Heaven. Don was a collector of many things: match books, hats, business cards and pens were some of his favorites. He was also the proud owner of many opinions! He was a good provider, a caring father, a loving grandfather and a supportive son and brother. He was a very hard worker and a friend to many. He was a man who loved his work which he demonstrated by many hours of "well sitting" which was the most favorite part of his job. Don stayed connected with his work until just a few months ago and would have gladly gone to work today if he could have! As much as he enjoyed his work, Don was equally enthusiastic working in his many gardens over the years, keeping his cars in top shape or building "something" around the house. He was a fixer of many things – not always in the conventional manner, but always functional and many times for the better. His BBQ sauce and Christmas party mix are legendary and will be sorely missed. When asked to describe Don, family members used a wide variety of adjectives: feisty-opinionated-spirited-hard headed-old school – imperfect, but their descriptions were always tempered and balanced with seeing him also as: generous-passionate-kind hearted-charitable-protective and saved. However, the single word to sum up Don Brown is "ONER" for he was indeed one of a kind. The family wishes to thank the Excell Hospice team for their wonderful care of Don the past few weeks. A special thanks of gratitude to Hospice Nurse Amber and CHHA Aide Markita for their compassion and straight forwardness during this time. Also a heartfelt thanks to his private caregivers -his special angel Tina, D.D. and Alice, all who made Don's transition a most peaceful journey. Services will be held on June 18, 2013 at 1:00pm in the Chapel at Crossings Community Church, 14600 N. Portland in OKC, with graveside interment at Rose Hill Cemetery in OKC.