White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Independence – Donald D. Brown, 82 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, at the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence due to complications of COVID-19.

He was born on October 30, 1938, in Quasqueton, Iowa, the son of Wayne Weston and Dorothy Mavis (Kress) Brown.  He graduated from high school in Quasqueton, Iowa, with the Class of 1957.  On October 8, 1960, he and the former Constance Ann Williams were married in Rowley, Iowa.

Don learned the electrical trade working for Freeman Electric in Independence following high school.  He joined IBEW Local 288 in 1962 and worked construction jobs for many years.  In 2000 he went to work at Independence Light and Power and became a member of Local 55.  Don was a proud 58 year member of IBEW.

In 1968 Don and Connie opened the Sears Catalog Store and continued until Sears closed down the catalog program in 1993.  In 1982 they owned and operated the University Shop and Specialized in selling Hawkeye clothing and gifts.  In 1987 Don and Connie opened Connie’s Hallmark and continued retailing until their retirement in 2013.

Don’s greatest joy was his family.  He and Connie attended Iowa Hawkeye football games together.  He was a proud member of the I-Club for over three decades.  They traveled extensively during their 60 years together.  They visited 48 states and 5 foreign countries.  Don loved going for rides around Buchanan County.

Don was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Independence.  He was formerly a member of the Independence Volunteer Fire Department, the Jaycees, the Rotary Club, the Lions Club, the Independence Area Chamber of Commerce and the Ambassadors.  He was a big supporter of the Independence High School.  He ran chains for football games.  He ran the time clock for basketball games.  He attended many activities in the 60 years he was an Independence resident.  He also was a big supporter for the Iowa Hawkeyes.  He was a football season ticket holder since 1982.

Don is survived by his wife of 60 years, Connie, 2 sons, David (Kathy) Brown of Denver, Colorado, and Burdette (Ann) Brown of Northfield, Minnesota, 1 daughter, Peggy (Doug) Marks of Marion, Iowa, 8 grandchildren, Abbie (Josh) Schlarmann, Jon Marks, Ben (Tiffany) Marks, Tyson Brown, Allie Brown, Molly Brown, Jake (Leah) Neidermann, and Andrea (Leland) Brown, and 8 great grandchildren.  He is also survived by 2 sisters, Marlene (Tom) Stark of Taylorsville, Kentucky, and Judy (Mike) Melka of Independence, and 1 brother, Dennis (Donna) Brown of Paducah, Kentucky.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 great grandson, Kinnick Marks, 1 sister, Darlene Brown, and 1 nephew, Steve Stark.

Private graveside services will be held on Friday, November 20, 2020, at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence with Rev. Greg DeBoer officiating.  Public services are being planned for a later date.

White Funeral Home of Independence is in charge of arrangements.