Obituary for Joe Donald Brown
Joe Donald Brown, a Vietnam Veteran and avid "crappie" (croppie) fisherman-passed away from complications of COPD on August 5, 2021 at MediLodge of Westwood in Kalamazoo, Michigan at the age of 77. He was surrounded by his family.
Joe was born September 11, 1943 in Battle Creek, Michigan to Orville and Louise Brown (Lee). Joe was a hard working man and wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. He worked a short time at Post Cereals in Battle Creek and was the owner of Brown Paint Contracting for over 40 years where he was widely known as a talented painter. His business card read, "pretty good painter, one heck of a crappie fisherman”. Joe moved to Missouri in the late 70’s and moved back to Michigan in 2016 to spend the last years of his life with his immediate family.
Joe had a charming personality and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He loved to play poker and if you asked him he’d say “there was no one better at catching crappie.” He also enjoyed going to flea markets and knew how to “wheel and deal”.
Joe is survived by his Five Daughters, Mary (Brian) Derae, Teresa (Darrell) Wimberley, Kim Easey, Tina (Matt) Bredin and Susan Ayers; 8 Grandchildren: Nicki (Jesse) Dwyer, Bryan Rowse, Kayla (Cody) Ayers, Alex Fay, Jessica (James) Wright, Garrett and Cody Bredin; Great-Grandchildren, Nolan Wimberley, Avery and Kaisen Arnett and Brother, Keith Brown. He also has several nieces and nephews as well as extended family in Missouri. Stepsons, Steve (Leslie) Sapanas, Kelly (Candy) Sapanas and William Sapanas; Grandchildren MaShealyn Sapanas and Great-Grandson Micah Sapanas.
He is preceded in death by his Parents; Brother, Houston Brown; Two Sisters, Sharon Larner and Daisy Vote and Grandson, Robert (BJ) Rowse.
The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at MediLodge of Westwood in Kalamazoo, as well as the nurses of Kindred Hospice.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Joe’s life during visitation hours on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm at Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service, 375 West Dickman Road, Battle Creek, MI 49037, with the funeral service immediately following starting at 1:00 pm.
Internment will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery on Thursday.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation by to https://lgfws.com. Let’s Go Fishing. “Bringing Natures Healing and Well-being to Seniors, Veterans, and the Disabled.”
Arrangements by the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service, www.baxterfuneral.com. 269-788.9800
Joe was born September 11, 1943 in Battle Creek, Michigan to Orville and Louise Brown (Lee). Joe was a hard working man and wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. He worked a short time at Post Cereals in Battle Creek and was the owner of Brown Paint Contracting for over 40 years where he was widely known as a talented painter. His business card read, "pretty good painter, one heck of a crappie fisherman”. Joe moved to Missouri in the late 70’s and moved back to Michigan in 2016 to spend the last years of his life with his immediate family.
Joe had a charming personality and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He loved to play poker and if you asked him he’d say “there was no one better at catching crappie.” He also enjoyed going to flea markets and knew how to “wheel and deal”.
Joe is survived by his Five Daughters, Mary (Brian) Derae, Teresa (Darrell) Wimberley, Kim Easey, Tina (Matt) Bredin and Susan Ayers; 8 Grandchildren: Nicki (Jesse) Dwyer, Bryan Rowse, Kayla (Cody) Ayers, Alex Fay, Jessica (James) Wright, Garrett and Cody Bredin; Great-Grandchildren, Nolan Wimberley, Avery and Kaisen Arnett and Brother, Keith Brown. He also has several nieces and nephews as well as extended family in Missouri. Stepsons, Steve (Leslie) Sapanas, Kelly (Candy) Sapanas and William Sapanas; Grandchildren MaShealyn Sapanas and Great-Grandson Micah Sapanas.
He is preceded in death by his Parents; Brother, Houston Brown; Two Sisters, Sharon Larner and Daisy Vote and Grandson, Robert (BJ) Rowse.
The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at MediLodge of Westwood in Kalamazoo, as well as the nurses of Kindred Hospice.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Joe’s life during visitation hours on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm at Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service, 375 West Dickman Road, Battle Creek, MI 49037, with the funeral service immediately following starting at 1:00 pm.
Internment will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery on Thursday.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation by to https://lgfws.com. Let’s Go Fishing. “Bringing Natures Healing and Well-being to Seniors, Veterans, and the Disabled.”
Arrangements by the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service, www.baxterfuneral.com. 269-788.9800