"I am proud and privileged to have called Don my friend for over 30 years. He was a dedicated public servant and genuinely cared about other people. Some of my favorite memories of Don was when he played Santa at the Rotary Christmas party and handed out gifts to the children. He thoroughly enjoyed that, looked forward to it and was so good with all of the kids. He will be deeply missed by not only me but all of his friends. My sincerest sympathies to his loving wife Karen and all of his extended family. I know he loved you all deeply."
In loving memory of
Donald Brown
June 20, 2017
Donald Aaron Brown, age 71, of Estero, FL and formerly of Quincy, died on Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at 11:20 p.m. in Tampa, Florida.
Donald was born October 14, 1945 in Indianapolis, Indiana, the son of Paul and Isabel Chapman Brown. He married Karen J. Eggemeyer. She survives.
Don graduated from Beech Wood High School. He then enlisted in the United States Navy where he served honorably for two years. Following his discharge, he attended Purdue University.
Don started a career selling hospital supplies, but a mentor introduced him to outdoor advertising and a career began. He moved to Waterloo to continue his advertising career. In 1980 he bought a group of small companies in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri and consolidated them into Outdoor Graphics in Quincy, IL. Don sold the company in 2004 and "retired" to Estero, FL. There he formed a home watch business called Tropic Homewatch. On off days, he volunteered at Lovers Key State Park driving the Tram and enjoying the beautiful beach and people he would meet. He loved it so much he founded a Foundation to sustain programs at the park. Later, he was elected to the Lee Health System Board of Directors after attending public meetings for one year to confirm his desire to run and to learn and be prepared if elected. Don joined the Estero Community Council of Leaders and was able to observe the establishment of Estero as an independent village in the state of Florida. With overwhelming voter support to incorporate, he ran for councilman as the first government was formed and was the top vote getter.
Don was President if Outdoor Advertising Association of Iowa and Illinois, Vice president of the Quincy Chamber of Commerce, President of the Quincy Sales and Marketing Club, President of the Quincy Rotary Club, Chairman of the Adams County Chapter of the American Red Cross, Commissioner of the Quincy Park District, President of Lovers Key Foundation in Estero and a member of the Estero Village Council.
In addition to his wife, survivors include: two brothers in law: John (Martha) Eggemeyer and Jeff Eggemeyer, and nephew Matt (Jenny) Eggemeyer; a niece, Susan (Dan) Rooney; two nephews: Nick Eggemeyer and Chris Eggemeyer; five great nieces and great nephews: Patric, Macy, and Mia Rooney; and Jack and Greta Eggemeyer.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents.
Services: 10:00 am Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at the Hansen-Spear Funeral Home Rev. John Adams officiating.
Burial: Greenmount Cemetery, Quincy, Illinois
Visitation: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at the Hansen-Spear Funeral Home
Memorials: Moffitt Cancer Research Center, Blessing Foundation, or Lee Health System (Estero Campus)
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
"My sincere condolences to the Brown family. May the fond memories of the times you shared bring comfort, while God's promise of a future resurrection, found at John 5:28 & 29, brings hope during this difficult time. My deepest sympathy to you all."
"Don became a good friend while we were mutually serving on a committee in our development. I always enjoyed his conversations and company. We went fishing a number of times, one of his favorite activities. Golf too 'To be remembered is to live forever' Karen ,we are very sorry to lose a friend."
"Who can forget the pie in the face at Rotary after Purdue beat Indiana in 1980something? Don was witty, sweet, and a good sport. So sorry to hear of Karens loss. 1Thess. 5"
"Don was the light of the party, and our family. Generous, and always the character. Karen remained his rock till he departed for heaven, always encouraging him and offering loving support. Our whole family feels lucky to have enjoyed Don in our midst for these many years. I sure hope heaven is ready for wit and humor, because Don is no doubt giving them the business......"
"I shared many a fun afternoon on the QCC links with Don and a cast of characters. His wit was dry, his drives were to the right and his ability to needle was among the best. My best to his family and friends. Let's all celebrate Don as he was someone special. Raising my glass now. How about you?"
"So sorry to all the families and friends who lost such a wonderful man in their lives. May the God of all comfort (1 Corinthians 1:3-4) comfort you in all your trials at these very moment."