William D. (Don) Brown

William D. Brown went to be with his Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, November 17, 2011 surrounded by his family. He was born on February 14, 1925 in Gatesville, Texas. William D. Brown married his sweetheart Autna “Deenie” Havens in Odessa on June 25, 1945. He and his bride had the fortune of living in various states across the United States including California and Illinois, and numerous towns in Texas. William D. Brown was proud to serve his country. He was a Corporal in the Army Air Force, and was honorably discharged after having served his country in World War II. After his discharge he worked for various oil companies working on pipelines. He retired from Texas New Mexico Pipeline Company after 32 years. During this time, he taught himself through correspondence industrial instrumentation. He traveled extensively with the company to other countries including Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Sumatrata. William D. Brown loved hunting, trot line fishing, golf, and welding. However, he also was very fond of a farm that he and Deenie purchased in Cross Plains in 1963. He spent many weekends with his family at the farm working with his cattle and irrigation for crops. He was particularly proud of his cattle and enjoyed sitting and watching them graze. After his retirement, they enjoyed traveling around the United States. Some of his favorite places included Camp Blanding, Florida and golfing trips with friends. He loved his family and enjoyed frequent visits from his grandchildren. He is preceded in death by one daughter, Patricia Elaine Brown; his parents, Benjamin H. Brown and Bertha Lee Brown; and nine siblings, Russell Brown, Mildred Brown, Ouida Simenson, Harold Brown, Wayne Brown, Bob Brown, Nelson Brown, Margie Bryan, and Phyllis Hardin. He is survived by his bride of 66 years, Autna “Deenie” Brown of Midland; three daughters, Donna (Tex) Clark of Midland, Ellen (Lynn) Walthall of Sweetwater, Darcy (Donny) Knight of Midland; seven granddaughters who knew him as “Pops”, Denise Hightower of Hutto, Donnita Jackson of San Antonio, Morgan Sanders of Round Rock, Krista Knight of College Station, Casie Walthall of Sweetwater, Trina Knight of Midland, Jessica Walthall of Sweetwater; and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Helen “I ‘rue” Brown of Midland and Louise Brown of California. As a dedicated member of the Church of Christ, the family finds peace knowing he is with Jesus today. Family will receive friends at Ellis Funeral Home on Sunday, November 20, 2011 from 3:00 – 5:00pm. A funeral service will be held at Golf Course Road Church of Christ in Midland, Texas at 10:00am on Monday, November 21, 2011. A graveside service will follow at Cross Plains Cemetery in Cross Plains, Texas at 3:00pm on Monday, November 21. 2011. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home of Midland, Texas. Condolences may be made at: www.ellisfunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Midland.