Donald E. Brown, 79, of Abingdon, passed away with his family at his side on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg.
Don was born on September 8, 1944, in Galesburg. He was the son of Forrest Eugene and Pearl Gladys (Fielder) Brown. Don married Eleanor Jean Dechow on September 5, 1964, in Princeville, Illinois. Together they celebrated 43 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on November 11, 2007. He later married Wilma Vawter on June 11, 2018, in Macomb. Surviving Don are his three children, Kenny (Cara Kidwell) Brown of Abingdon, Kathy (Chris) Hampsey of Springfield and Kevin (Jen) Brown of Abingdon; his wife, Wilma of Abingdon; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Jean, and sister, Phyllis (Ed) Moore.
Don was a graduate of Abingdon High School. He was a seed dealer for Dekalb and farmed in the Abingdon area his entire life. He enjoyed, bowling, fishing, coaching pony league baseball and softball, and playing softball. Most of all he loved being with his family and being a grandfather and farming. He will be forever missed by the ones that loved him most.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of Don’s life will be from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, August 9, 2024, at the Harry E. Wiles Post #381 American Legion, 546 Route 41, Abingdon. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory, Knoxville are assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Abingdon First Responders. On-line condolences and/or expressions of sympathy may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com.
