Donald Gene Brown

Donald Gene Brown, lifelong Oklahoman, was born on August 27, 1933 in Geary, Oklahoma and departed this life on August 8, 2020 at the age of 86 years. Donald was the son of George Antoine Brown and Macel Irene (Shawver) Brown. He graduated from Geary High School in 1951. Later, he obtained a Bachelor of Science in physical education from Central State University (CSU) as well as a Master of Education from The University of Oklahoma. While studying at CSU, he met the love of his life, Juanita. After proposing to Juanita on the steps of the CSU library, they wed in 1952. One year later, they welcomed their daughter, Donita. Don Brown was a two-sport athlete for the Bronchos back in the 1950s, playing both baseball and basketball from 1952-55. Following graduation, he embarked on a long coaching career while also serving as a football official for The Southwest Conference for many years. Don coached baseball for 41 years and basketball for 22 years. Brown was head coach of both the baseball and basketball teams at U.S. Grant High School from 1957-65 before going to Eastern Oklahoma State College and filling both roles there as well from 1965-75. He also served as head baseball coach at Oklahoma City University (1975-82) and Redlands Community College (1988-03), and finished his baseball career with an 828-359 record. As both a high school and college official and coach from 1955-2003, Brown has been inducted into five hall of fames: Oklahoma City University Athletic Hall of Fame (1996), Oklahoma Officials Hall of Fame (1997), Oklahoma Coaches Association Hall of Fame (1999), Oklahoma Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame (2007), and National Junior College Athletic Association Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame (2008). Don was deeply invested in encouraging development and growth in his students and players, and he touched countless lives. When interviewed for a 1988 article in the Daily Oklahoman, “Don Brown: A Man of Many Hats,” Don was quoted as saying, "I don't think you ever get coaching out of your blood. You always like to coach and work with kids. It's very satisfying to see some of them progress and go on and achieve some form of greatness.” Being a dependable, supportive, and honorable son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend was of the utmost importance to Don, both in paradigm and in practice. He was a lovable, humorous, and thoughtful man. Preceding Don in death are his parents, George and Macel Brown; sister and brother-in-law, Sarah and Orlis Reames; and daughter, Donita Brown. He is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Juanita Brown; granddaughters and sons-in-laws Kristin and Jon Novotny and Kaitlin and Patrick Rand; great granddaughters Vera, Helen, and Frances Novotny; brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Wanda Brown; as well as many other relatives and friends. Due to the current risks associated with Covid-19, a memorial service will not be held at this time. Family will appreciate memories and condolences that can be shared on the Parks Brothers Funeral Home Website: https://www.parksbrothers.net. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Oklahoma Parkinson’s Foundation: https://parkinsonoklahoma.com/donate/