Donald Leroy Brown, 99, of Minneapolis, died Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the Ottawa County Health Center in Minneapolis, KS. He was born June 16, 1926, in Reading, PA, to Ira and Beatrice (Ramer) Brown.
After high school, Don enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II. He served as a rifleman in the 5th Infantry Division, also known as “The Red Diamonds.” He earned five Battle Stars and a Combat Infantry Badge during his time in Europe. After returning to the States, he enlisted for one more year as a clerk/typist. Don was very proud to serve his country and would sit and talk for hours about his experiences in the war. He proudly wore his WWII hat everywhere.
On July 16, 1949, Don married Mary Ellen Gross. They were married for 73 years. Together, they raised three wonderful children; Kathy (Ed), Donald (Linda), and Jo Ellen (Gary). They started their life together in Pennsylvania and later moved to Florida, where he retired in 2006. They then moved back to Pennsylvania to be closer to family. In 2013, they moved to Minneapolis, KS, where they lived out the remainder of their lives.
At the age of 14, Don started caddying at the local golf course, which sparked his love for golf. Over the course of his life, he shared this love with his children and grandchildren, teaching them how to play. During his lifetime, he won 11 trophies and played until a broken leg (on the golf course) ended his playing career at the age of 92. Even after being instructed not to play golf, he would sneak out and putt around on the greens.
If he wasn’t playing golf, you could find him doing crossword puzzles, playing card games with his family, or reading Western books. He also enjoyed making birdhouses and selling them at craft shows.
Don had many careers over his lifetime, including roofing, lathe operator, garage door installation, and condominium property management.
Don was known by everyone as the guy with the “one-liners” and jokes. He always had a “good one” to tell whomever he met. He was ornery but sweet, and his sense of humor always kept those around him laughing.
Don was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ellen; his son, Donald; and his son-in-law, Gary. He is survived by his daughters, Kathy Brown (husband Ed) of Minneapolis, KS, and Jo Ellen Osteen of Little River, SC; six grandchildren;
and nine great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M., Monday, December 29, at Wilson Family Funeral Home, 405 Argyle Avenue, Minneapolis, KS 67467. Memorials may be made to the Minneapolis Public Library and may be left in care of the funeral home.