Ernest Donnell Brown, 86, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, passed away on January 3, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He lived a long and meaningful life marked by devotion to family, service, and steadfast commitment.

Don was born on May 3, 1939, in Idabel, Oklahoma, to Novell (Williamson) Brown and L.E. Brown. He graduated from Capitol Hill High School and later joined the United States Air Force on July 11, 1957. Don served honorably for four years, including service in Saudi Arabia, Africa, and other locations.

Don was the beloved husband of Janice (Taylor) Brown.They met at the ages of 15 and 16 at Jackson Junior High School and remained together ever since. They were married on December 9, 1958, and shared 67 years of faithful marriage filled with love, partnership, and cherished memories. Together, they built a life grounded in commitment and care.

Don was employed by the Oklahoma Publishing Company as a Pressman Supervisor, a role he held with pride until his retirement in 2001 at the age of 62.

Remaining to cherish Don's memory are his wife, Janice Brown; his children, Jimmy Brown and wife Suzanne Brown, Richard Brown and wife Debbie Brown, Cynthia Fox and husband Thomas Fox, and Kimberly Hickey; his grandchildren, Shannon Delheimer, Brandi Brown, Dustin Brown, Taylor Hickey, Dillon Hickey, Stephen Brown, Kylie Hickey, and Micaela Fox; his great-grandchildren, Kaitlynne Brown-Weaver, Lance Cao, Kaiden Brown, and Benjamin Brown; and his great-great-granddaughter, Zaelynne Weaver.

Preceding Don in death are his parents, Novell Brown and L.E. Brown, and his sister, Laverne Burnett.

He will be remembered with love and gratitude by all who knew him. His legacy lives on through his family and the many memories shared with friends and loved ones. He will be deeply missed.

All who knew and loved Don are invited to join the family for a visitation in remembrance of his life on January 8, 2026, from 4:00–8:00 p.m. at Vondel L. Smith & Son Mortuary, 4000 SW 119th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73173.

A graveside service will be held on January 9, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Sunny Lane Cemetery. The service will include shared words, a short reflection, and a prayer honoring Don's life by his granddaughter, Micaela Fox.

Military honors will be conducted.