Obituary
Donald “Don” Francis Brown, 69, of Greenwood, MO, passed away Thursday, December 14, 2023, at home surrounded by his wife and children.
He was born August 12, 1954 in Kansas City, MO, son of Joseph A Brown, Jr and Eliese D Itzel.
Don graduated with an Associates degree from the Metropolitan Community Colleges in Kansas City, and worked as General Superintendent for Theodore Lawrence Painting Company with his brother, George. Later, he worked for Wolfe Auto Group as a courier until he retired in 2020, then he became an independent contractor for Volkswagen of Lee’s Summit as a dealer trade driver. Don was a parishioner of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lee’s Summit.
Don carried many friendships from his early years into his latter years and loved telling stories of their many antics and adventures. Don enjoyed classic cars, often volunteering at the Mecum Auction in Kansas City and he was one of the early members of the Kansas City-Cadillac LeSalle Club. Don had a way with dogs, having trained several to act very politely and (mostly) without barking. He was often spotted in his neighborhood walking his standard Goldendoodle, Truman. Don loved to travel with his wife, Brenda, having gone to Ireland (his favorite) three times and most recently, Bermuda. Don would help anyone out on a moment’s notice without expectation of recognition or compensation, and he had a soft spot for the elderly and young children. He was most proud of his family, and especially enjoyed his five grandchildren: Lily, Keagan, Max, Diego, and Benjamin.
Survivors include his wife of 22 years, Brenda, of the home; four children, Andrea Hendrix (David) of Olathe, KS; Matthew Cook of Kansas City, KS; Mallory Jenkins (Patrick) of Blue Springs, MO; Kirsten Cook (Jesus Gonzalez) of Webb City, MO; one sister Margaret “Peggy” Davis (John); three brothers Joseph “Jay” A. Brown, III (Marcy); George Brown (Mary); Christopher “Chris” Brown (Denise); and many nieces and nephews.
Don was preceded in death by his father; mother; and brothers Gerard “Gerry” Brown and John “Rick” Brown.
Visitation will be 6–8 pm (6:30 rosary), Wednesday, December 20th at Langsford Funeral Home, 115 SW 3rd St, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063. Funeral Mass will be 10 am, Thursday, December 21st at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1800 MO-150, Lee’s Summit, MO 64082. Burial service will be 11 am Friday, December 22nd at Historic St. Patrick’s Cemetery, 722 Hwy O, Gravois Mills, MO 65037.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Unbound (www.unbound.org).
Condolences
Visitation
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Services
Lee's Summit, MO 64082
I have many fond memories of Don. My sincere condolences to Brenda and their children.
So very sorry to hear the passing of another beloved relative. We have special memories of Christmases together at our grandparents. My condolences to his wife and family.
My prayers and condolences to Brenda and. the children . Don shared a special place with myself , and my brother Paul as we all have birthdays on the same day of August 12 . . . . peace and blessing to all
cousin George
Brenda you have my heart felt condolences. I have many great memories of Don and you especially your wedding. Don coming across the water in the boat in his kilt or leaving Alex under the seat of the car when he got a different one. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. Prayers for all of you.
What a GREAT guy. We had wonderful times together and Aunt Sara loved him dearly.
He will surely be missed.
To the Brown family: I am so sorry for your loss. I have a lot of GREAT memories of things Don & I did together: playing horseshoes in the dark using candles & extension cords for the lamps, going to MECUM auto auctions & car shows with his Cadillac Club, playing pool & other games while helping to contribute to his beer can collection, trick-or-treating with the kids while carrying a backpack & a 6-pack of beer, he shared his knowledge of BBQ grilling while doing ‘scratchers’, going to the casinos for Christmas parties, being included in the St. Patrick’s Day parade at the lake & seeing the train collection, attending the Brown Family Crab Feed, porch drinking. He was a kind man & a great friend. The whole family was/is very gracious.