Obituary of Donald Eldon Brown

Donald Eldon Brown, affectionately known as “Charlie”, passed away suddenly at his home in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, on April 6, 2016, rejoining his wife, Pat, whom he missed dearly. Born in Flint, Michigan, on October 31, 1932, to parents Walter and Ella Brown, he graduated from Hudson High and served in the U.S. Army in Korea. He married Patricia Vredevoogd on January 28, 1956. Together, they raised two daughters, raced sports cars, and realized their dream of owning a farm, on which they raised Arabian show horses. He worked as a millwright for General Motors in Flint. Upon retiring, Charlie and Pat realized another dream when they made a home in Lake Havasu City. Charlie enjoyed golfing and socializing with his Havasu “family”; dining at the Elks, Eagles, and VFW, where he held memberships; and watching Havasu sunsets from the patio. He was loved by family and friends, who miss his jokes, his smile, and the twinkle in his eye. Charlie was preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Pat Brown; parents Walter and Ella Brown; and sister Lula Brown. He is survived by daughters Kimberly Gauthier, of Fenton, Michigan, and Lynn Brown, of Costa Mesa, California; granddaughter Jessica Gauthier, of Fenton, Michigan; sisters Ruth (Harold) Klaty, of Carsonville, Michigan, and Mabel (Lyle) Newberry, of Davison, Michigan; and brothers Edwin (Mary) Brown of Tuscon, Arizona, and Robert (Norma) Brown of Gwinn, Michigan. A memorial service will be held on Monday, October 31, 2016, at Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00pm. Services were placed in the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home. Thoughts and condolences may be sent to the Brown family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Western Arizona Humane Society in Lake Havasu City.