Don Brown

Dondi "Don" Lee Brown, 67, of Ogallala, Nebraska, passed away on October 3, 2024, at the Ogallala Community Hospital.

Don was born to Barbara Brown on April 13, 1957, in Denver, Colorado. He was raised in Ogallala, where he attended Ogallala High School before eventually tackling a near-lifelong career as a mechanic. Don was hired by Guy Kohl in 1978 to help with oil changes and would eventually find his niche working on and around cars. Guy sent him to school to become a mechanic, which spilled into a 45-year career of dedication and excellence.

Don would eventually earn his GM certification as a mechanic and ended his career at Wolf Auto. By the time his working career was over, Don had built himself a reputation as being masterful at his craft. Never one for much talk, Don much preferred to work behind the scenes.

Don had a deep love for the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and trap shooting. He could often be found camping, boating, or, on occasion, cruising around on his mower. Riding his Harley was one of his favorite pastimes, but nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his grandchildren. Whether on the lake, jet skiing, or simply enjoying a quiet moment together, Don cherished the time spent with his family. In his later years, Don discovered his love for Disney and enjoyed trips to Disneyland and Disney Cruises, where he found a lighter side of life and a way to connect with his inner child and grandchildren.

Don was known for his quick wit and unfiltered humor, always ready with a joke or a clever remark that brought laughter to those around him. While Don could be ornery, even giving people wrong directions to the lake as a playful jest, he was also a deeply kind and quiet man who had a way of saying things with just a look and a smile.

Don loved his Rottweiler, "Toddler," who was his constant companion. And while he had strong opinions, such as his deep disapproval of Fords, his family and friends could always count on his sincerity.

Don is survived by his wife, Jean, of Ogallala; his daughter, Jennifer (Eugene) Reeser of Ogallala; his son, Josh (Amy) Brown of Papillion; his grandchildren, Zach, Zane, Blake (Brinn), Braden (Rylee), Adyson, Pystol, Kynzley, and Scarlytt; one great-grandson; his brothers, Kevin Tinnon, Kory Tinnon, and Kasey Tinnon; as well as many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Brown Tinnon, his aunt Beverly Balderson, and his uncles Lloyd and Pete Brown.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.