Brown, Donald Anton, 92, took his final flight into paradise to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, June 12, 2010. He was the beloved husband of Frances Mae Gilday who preceded him in death in 1999 after 61 years of marriage, nurturing father to their five children, and loving grandfather and great grandfather. Don was born on May 14, 1918 in Snyder, Nebraska to John Joseph Brown and Frances Prinz. He was a graduate of Snyder High School and attended Creighton University. He and Frances Mae were married on June 26, 1937 at Holy Cross Church in Omaha, Nebraska with Monsignor Nicholas Wagner of Boys Town officiating. They moved to Oklahoma City in 1943 where he was a flight test pilot for Douglas Air during World War II, following the war he worked for the government CAA which later became the FAA. Don retired from federal service after 35 years with the Flight Inspection National Office. He spent 50 years in the aviation industry and maintained an active pilot's and aviation mechanic's license for 60 years. Don has been a pillar of the Oklahoma City community for many years as evidenced by his involvement in numerous organizations. He was assistant director of the OKC St. Patrick's Day Parade for 23 years, honored as Grand Marshall in 1995. He served on the Ronald McDonald House Board of Directors for 7 years, 2 years as President. He was integrally involved in the promotion and development of Bricktown, serving as Chairperson for Downtown Now for which he received the Pioneer Award from the city. He also volunteered on many projects with the Oklahoma City Arts Council over the years. Don was active in many aviation organizations as well. He held a 50 year membership in both the Quiet Birdmen (QB's) and OX5 Aviation Pioneers of America (an association of pilot's who flew WWI aircraft). He served as President of the OX5 organization. He was President of the FAA Credit Union for 7 years and remained on the Board of Directors for 25 years. He was a founding member of St. James the Greater Catholic Church, where he was faithful in service for over 50 years, serving as Property Manager for over 30 years. He served as President of the Athletics Department of Mount Saint Mary's High School where his children attended. He was a life member of the 3rd and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. Don received many awards during his lifetime, but he was most proud of being awarded by the Venerable Cross Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice given from the palace by Pope John Paul on February 16, 2005 as a sign of the Holy Father's recognition of his distinguished service to the church and society. Keeping with his Irish heritage, Don was a member of the All Ireland Club of Oklahoma City and a life member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians of America. For his entire life, he maintained a loving relationship with Ireland, traveling numerous times to visit family and friends. His love of God, family, friends, and country, his enjoyment of life and example of service were an inspiration to those whose lives he touched. We are thankful for his time with us. He will be GREATLY missed by many.

He was preceded in death by his parents
wife, Frances Mae
sons, James Michael and Donald Joseph
brother, Arthur Dennis.

He is survived by
sons, Nick of Oklahoma City; Tim and his wife Susie of Norman
daughter, Debi Forsythe of San Diego, CA
grandchildren, Don Forsythe and wife Jamie of Newcastle; Josh Forsythe of Jackson Hole, WY;
Naome Riley of Norman; Colin Brown and his wife Kelsey of Oklahoma City;
great-grandchildren, Alec and Ally Forsythe of Newcastle; Stetson, Jackson, and Grace Riley of Norman;
Katelyn Brown of Oklahoma City;
brother Rev. James Victor Brown of Oxnard, CA;
sister Mary Ann Wilkins of Pueblo, CO;