Mr. Donald Ray Brown was born on August 9, 1951 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to the parentage of George W. Brown and Nannie Beatrice (Jackson) Brown. He professed his faith at an early age and was baptized. During the course of his life, he was a member of several churches and recently rededicated his life to the Lord in October 2019.
Donald, who was affectionately known to all his family and friends as “Doc” received his education in Oklahoma Public Schools system. Upon graduation in May 1969 form Douglas High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served as a Security Specialist and Law Enforcement Supervisor. While in the Air Force, he was enrolled in the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy (NCOA). Donald received several decorations, medals, badges, commendations and ribbons during his tenure in the Air Force. Donald also served as the 8th Security Police Sergeant for the Kunsan Air Base in the Republic of Korea (South Korea), where he was presented with a “Plaque of Appreciation” for his outstanding performance to the prevention of crime and maintaining public peace, on May 10, 1988 by the Kunsan City Police Chief. This was the first time that this honor had been given to a U.S. Military Serviceman.
During his time in the Air Force he also forged a brotherhood with TSgt Melvin (Flowerman) Locklear and TSgt Gordon (Tad) Hamasaki, to which they were called the “Three Amigos”. After retiring from the Air Force in May of 1990 as a Technical Sergeant (TSgt), Donald was employed by the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) in Kunsan City, South Korea until July 2001. Upon returning to the states, he began working at Applied Materials as a Security Specialist. His last job until the onset of his illness was as a Security Contractor with the Federal Government.
Donald was the father of three children, from a previous marriage to Patricia Brown. While serving in the Air Force in South Korea, he met and was united in marriage to Kyong Yi on July 27, 1988 in Kunsan City, South Korea. Donald and Kyong shared this union for 31 years and resided in Pflugerville, Texas.
Donald enjoyed reading, keeping up with the news from across the world, and watching his favorite sports teams, the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the New England Patriots. He stayed abreast of world politics and events. Donald loved his country and was proud of his service and the experiences he cherished from around the world. Even in sickness, he exercised his civic duty and voted in every election.
Early Thursday morning, March 5, 2020, the Lord called Donald from labor to rest after his long fight against cancer. He was preceded in death by both parents, four sisters, one brother and daughter LaTasha Marie Brown.
He leaves to forever cherish memories of his life, his devoted wife Kyong (DeDe); two children: Donald Brown II, and Diesha Nicole Mitchell (Michael); five grandchildren, LaTasha Mitchell, Darrick Matthews, Dazuray Gilbreath, Donesha Johnson and Travon Berry; and a host of great-grandchildren; two Brothers: George Bruce Brown (Kathy) and Ersly Jay Brown; five sisters: Margie Williams, Harolie (Hattie) Shannon, Bertha (Callie) Lacy, Doris (Sue) Houston and Nina Bass (Nick); a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, family, friends and the church family of the Shoreline Christian Center.
