Donald Eugene Brown

Donald Brown ObituaryVisit the Myers Mortuary & Cremation Services - Ogden website to view the full obituary.Colonel Donald E. Brown, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), 83, passed away on March 2, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of family, service, faith, community, and love.Don was born in Mason City, Iowa. At the age of ten, his family moved to Marquette, Iowa, a small Mississippi River town where he spent his youth exploring and having countless adventures. The oldest of seven children, Don showed a remarkable love of learning and had a brilliant mind from an early age. He was known to read encyclopedias simply for the joy of it.While attending Mar-Mac High School, he met his high school sweetheart, the pretty farm girl from the country, Deanna. They both played in the school band. What began there grew into a lifelong relationship that carried them through nearly 60 years of marriage, military life, 17 moves, and all of life's joys and challenges along the way.After high school, he attended the United States Air Force Academy, graduating in 1965. He then went on to pilot training. Shortly after, he and Deanna were married in June 1966.Don served his country as a fighter pilot for most of his distinguished Air Force career. He flew the F-4 Phantom during the Vietnam War, earning several medals and decorations. He also flew the A-10 Thunderbolt II "Warthog." During his service, he earned a master's degree in engineering from the University of Wyoming and graduated from the Naval War College in Rhode Island.Don rose to the rank of colonel and worked on numerous important projects, including two assignments at the Pentagon. After almost 24 years of dedicated service to his country, he retired from the Air Force in March 1989.Following his military career, he continued his professional life at Thiokol Corporation/ATK, a move that brought the family west and made Utah their home. Don worked at Thiokol for more than 15 years, first serving as Director of Test and later as Director of Safety. He often joked that becoming the safety director at a rocket factory was what finally gave him his gray hair.Beyond his professional accomplishments, Don was deeply devoted to his family and community. He was a constant presence in the lives of his children and grandchildren, with many memories of coaching soccer, helping with homework, throwing footballs in the yard, working puzzles, and reading books together. An avid reader and history enthusiast, he loved learning and sharing that curiosity with those around him. He also loved the outdoors and spent many happy hours hiking, even tackling the Grand Canyon at the age of 63. Don could often be found taking his grandchildren on stroller walks around the neighborhood.Don loved to laugh and faced life with a great sense of humor. Often offering an amusing comment or lighthearted joke, he could brighten any room and ease any difficult moment. His understanding, kindness, intelligence, and quick wit made him a joy to be around. He loved people and brought out the best in them.His faith was an important part of his life. Don was an active member of Ascension Lutheran Church, where he served as church president, participated in the men's group, helped lead a shepherding group, and served for many years as co-treasurer. He was instrumental in organizing and supporting many community service projects.Don loved his family, loved his country, and loved God. He lived a life of integrity, service, humor, and quiet strength, setting an example for everyone who knew him.He is survived by his loving wife, his three children and their spouses, and his five precious grandchildren.He is also survived by five siblings and their spouses, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.He was preceded in death by his parents and his youngest brother.The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the many wonderful caregivers who provided compassionate care during the most challenging times of his Parkinson's disease. They are especially thankful for the EMTs of North View Fire Station #22, the dedicated caregivers with VA Home Helpers, and the caring staff at the George E. Wahlen Ogden Veterans Home.They are also deeply grateful for the love and support shown by the pastors and congregation at Ascension Lutheran Church, and by the friends and neighbors whose kindness and faith meant so much to him and his family.We are profoundly grateful to have shared our lives with such a wonderful husband, brother, father, grandfather, and our beloved "Paa." He touched so many lives, and we know that the people we are today are in large part because of his example. His love, guidance, and influence will continue to shape our lives and the lives of all who knew him.An open house will be held Friday evening, March 13, from 6–8 p.m. at Myers Mortuary, 845 Washington Blvd., Ogden, Utah, where friends and family are invited to gather, share memories, and honor Don's life.A funeral service will be held Saturday, March 14, at 10:00 a.m. at Ascension Lutheran Church, 1105 N. Washington Blvd., with full military honors to follow. All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend.Please share your memories and upload photos to Don's memorial page at www.myers-mortuary.com.Read The Full Obituary