Donald Melvin Brown, 88, of Philipsburg and formerly of Galloway Township, NJ, and most recently of Absecon, NJ, died peacefully Monday, May 9, 2016.
He was born May 30, 1927 in Philipsburg to the late George E. and Rachel D. (Mayhew) Brown.
He attended Philipsburg High School and later received an honorary diploma for being a veteran.
While still in high school, Mr. Brown enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served on active duty during World War II and the Korean War as a Petty Officer First Class before his honorable discharge.
He served as a police officer for the Somers Point and Galloway Township, NJ Police Departments. He also retired from the Plumbers & Pipefitters Union Local No. 322 of Winslow, NJ.
He was a member of The Unity Lodge No. 96 Free & Accepted Mason and AMVETS Post No. 0159. He was also a member of The First Church of Christ in Philipsburg.
Mr. Brown enjoyed watching Penn State football games and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his children, Nancy (Joseph) Muskett, Mark (Terri) Brown, Charles (Liz) Brown, Rudy (Lori) Fehrle, Peggy Ahlum and Kathy Frank (Ernie Miller), all of New Jersey, and a daughter-in-law and caregiver, Mary Jo Brown of New Jersey.
He is also survived by two step-children, Alan (Eva) Barnett of Philipsburg and Kim Barnett of Virginia; 20 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and two sisters Eleanor (Tony) Petulla and Nancy (Carl) Drukenbrad, all of Pennsylvania.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 21 years, Ruth P. Brown; two sons, Donald L. Brown and Bruce D. Brown; one daughter, Donna Franklin; and his step-mother, Edna (Gross) Brown.
He was preceded in death by one grandson, Jeff Brown; one great-granddaughter, Carina A. Barnett; one great-grandson, Jaiden Ohnemuller-Muskett; two brothers, George W. Brown and James L. Brown; three sisters, Ruth A. Smeal, Doris Townsend and Sharon Moore; and one step-sister, Jean (Gross) Sutton.
He was also preceded in death by his first wife and mother of their children, Nancy (Hilborn) Brown.
At Mr. Brown’s request, a private military graveside service will be held at the Philipsburg Cemetery. There will be no public visitation.
Arrangements are under the direction of the David K. Dahlgren Funeral Home, Philipsburg. Online condolences to the family may be made at www.dahlgrenfuneralhome.com.