Don Brown

Don Howard Brown, age 89 of Vernal, Utah returned home to his Heavenly Father peacefully on Monday, January 12, 2015 at the Uintah Care Center.

Don was born in Nephi, Utah to Howard and Gladys Brown. He was the oldest of three children. Don graduated from Juab High School. He married Betty Maurine Smith on December 1, 1943 and was later sealed in the Manti Temple. Their marriage has been a shining example of true and everlasting love. They just recently celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary. Don and Betty were only married 11 days when Don was sent to basic training in California. He served in the U.S. Army during the World War II Era.

Don and Betty were blessed with five daughters and one son. They have 32 grandchildren, 75 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. Don always said "There isn't an ugly one in the bunch".

Don began his career as a meat cutter in Heber City, UT and in 1954 moved his family to Vernal where he managed the meat department at Safeway and Days Grocery Store.

Don was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where he served with love in many church callings. He enjoyed his years of service as the Bishop of the Vernal 5th Ward and later a member of the Ashley Stake Presidency. After retirement Don and Betty served an LDS mission in the Riverside California area. Their mission was a highlight of their lives. They also served for several years in the Vernal Utah Temple. His service and discipleship helped him become the loving and kind man that he was.

Don's favorite time was spent visiting and being with his family and friends. He made many lifetime friends at the local bowling alley where he and Betty loved their weekly date night. His favorite TV shows were the "Lawrence Welk" and "I Love Lucy" programs and you could always count on him to have a good laugh at Lucy or tap his foot along to the music of Lawrence Welk. Many times he would pull one of his daughters up with him to dance along to the music in the living room. He had a love for taking long car rides with his sweetheart, drinking a soda and sharing a candy bar. When asked where he and Betty were going on their car ride, Don would love to tease and say "we are going parking" with that familiar twinkle in his eye.

Don was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Gladys Brown, sister Erma Brown Barton and her husband Don Barton, parents' in-law Sherman and Olive Smith, brother-in-law Sherdan Smith, sister-in-law Maryann Smith, daughter Maurine Brown Smuin, granddaughter Michelle Rich, and great grandson Blayne Mark Rich.

Don is survived by his wife Betty, children Donetta (Kirt) Rich, son-in-law Craig (Marlene) Smuin, Elaine (John) Sindt, Helen (Gene) Searle, Randy (Cindy) Brown, and Susan (Burke) Buckalew, brother Rex (Ann) Brown, along with many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services were under the direction of Ashley Valley Funeral Home, 400 North 800 West, Vernal, Utah. Services were held at 11 am on Saturday, January 17th, 2015 at the Vernal 5th and 9th Ward Chapel 250 North 200 West. Friends and family called at the funeral home Friday evening from 6 to 8 pm and at the chapel one hour prior to the services. Burial was in the Vernal Memorial Park with Military Honors.

We love you dad and you will be deeply missed. Until we meet again.

The family of Don and Betty would like to give their heart felt thanks for the excellent care given by the Uintah Care Center facility/nursing staff and Dr. Kirk Woodward.