Donel Brown

DONEL BROWN, age 81, of Idlewild, Michigan, entered into this world on March 3, 1937 to Orange and Model Brown in Magnolia, Arkansas, both of whom preceded him in death. Donel made his final transition on April 16, 2018, peacefully at home with his loving wife by his side. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Kay F. Brown; three sons, Marshall Jenkins of Magnolia, Arkansas, Christopher D. Brown of Muskegon, Michigan and Kevin D. Brown of Grand Rapids, Michigan; two grandchildren and one ”granddog” and a host of other relatives and many friends.

After graduation from Columbia High School and serving honorably in the United States Army, he completed his education, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in business at Aquinas College. He furthered his studies at Dale Carnegie and taught business classes at Baker College in Muskegon, Michigan.

After a successful career with Michcon, he retired with his wife to Idlewild, Michigan. He continued his community service, which he began in Muskegon, by being one of the founders of Silent Observer, which is nation-wide. He worked diligently with the Urban League. While in Idlewild, he served as a Trustee of Yates Township for four years and held the elected position of Township Supervisor for eight years. During this time, he was instrumental in ensuring the procurement and placement of Historical Markers throughout Idlewild. As Yates Township Supervisor he worked diligently to ensure the following was implemented in Idlewild; the installation of underground gas lines, sewer system upgrades, road paving, boat ramp installation at both Idlewild Lake and Paradise Lake and the construction of Duvernay Park Apartments. He was a founder of Music Fest, which is held on the Island each year, in Idlewild. Donel was an active member of Tabernacle A.M.E. Church in Idlewild, serving as a Trustee and on the Finance Committee for over twenty years.

Interment Services will take place at 1:00 PM on Friday, April 27, 2018, at Chapel Hill Cemetery in Grand Rapids with Pastor Edward C. Harris of tabernacle A.M.E. Church in Idlewild, officiating. Those wishing to express sympathy are welcomed to consider a donation in his memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or the charity of the donor’s choice.