Updated: 24 November 2006
Donald Francis Brown was born on the Fletcher/Brown farm in Porter Twp., Van Buren Co., Mich., on Nov. 18, 1914, but moved with his parents to Marcellus in 1915. He graduated from MHS in 1933, and then studied accounting at the South Bend College of Commerce, 1934-1936 (diploma received). He worked at Levy Ward Wholesale Grocers in South Bend until drafted into the U.S. Army on April 9, 1941. He married G. Eleanor Miller of Buchanan on Oct. 21, 1941. He made Sergeant at 113th Engineering at Camp Shelby, MS, and Staff Sergeant on Nov. 7, 1941. Graduated from Officers Training School, Camp Belvoir, VA, and commissioned 2nd Lt. on Oct. 28, 1942. Transferred to 27th Engineering, Camp Breckenridge, KY. Made 1st Lt. on March 13, 1943, and Captain on Nov. 23, 1943. Sent overseas (south Pacific): New Guinea, Philippines (Luzon), and Japan (arrived Wakayama, Japan on Sep. 25, 1945). Transferred from active duty to the Officers’ Reserve Corps on Nov. 26, 1945 (or 2/18/1946); promoted to Major in the reserves on Dec. 27, 1946, and to Lt. Col. on Nov. 18, 1956; retired as full Colonel. Don worked at the Clark Equipment Co. in Buchanan for 29 years (12/21/1946 to 1976), initially as a cost estimator, and later as Sales Office Manager (axels and axel housings). Don and Eleanor had two children: Donna and Bob. Don died on Nov. 30, 1976, in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Thanks to Robert Brown for this submission.