Donnie Keith Brown

Donnie Keith Brown
Donnie Keith Brown

Donnie Keith Brown, 74, passed away from his earthly home into the arms of Jesus on March 19, 2023.

Visitation will be from 5:30-7:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.  Graveside services will be at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at Boys Ranch Cemetery.

Donnie was born on March 28, 1948, in Shamrock, TX to Cecil Valdee and Anna Mozelle Brown.  Their family lived in Lela, TX and he was the youngest of five, four boys and 1 sister.  He attended school in Lela through eighth grade and graduated in 1966 from Shamrock High School.  He completed his Bachelor of Business degree from West Texas AMU in 1987.

While home visiting his parents at Ceta Canyon Methodist Church Camp during the summer of 1972, he met the love of his life, Sandy Woods.  They were married in July 1973 and celebrated 49 years of marriage before her passing in September 2022.

They lived in Amarillo, TX when they were first married.  He sold life insurance and worked at JC Penney.  They were blessed with two children, a daughter, Brianna in 1977, and a son, Wesley in 1981.

In 1982, Donnie had a choice to make; move his family to Houston, TX to work in the oil industry or move to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch and make a difference.  In September 1982, they made Boys Ranch their home until retirement in 2008.  He dedicated his life to raising and helping countless boys and girls.  He loved his work at Boys Ranch and up until his death he considered many of the boys his sons.

Donnie had great faith in his Lord Jesus and was never shy about sharing the gospel with anyone he came in contact with during his many years of sickness and illness.  There were many nurses, doctors, and home health nurses that cared for him, he considered each a friend and was always there for them with an encouraging word.  Because of his illnesses, Donnie lived in constant pain but he never complained.

He fought for so many years to be strong for his Sandy and his family because of the saving grace of Jesus Christ he doesn’t have to fight anymore.  And, his family is celebrating and rejoicing in that.

Donnie was preceded in death by his beloved wife and son; his parents; a brother and sister; and many other special loved ones.

Left to celebrate his life are his daughter, Brianna Smith, and husband David, and their children, Hadley and Ryan; his son’s children, Colton and Greyson, and their mother, Tiffany Cochran Brown; two brothers, Wendell Brown and wife Susan, and Jerry Brown; an abundance of very special nieces, nephews and cousins that he loved very much.  many very special friends, but especially Mel and Judy Jones, and a special bonus daughter Liz Drummond-Spinhirne.

The family suggests memorials to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch, PO Box 1890, Amarillo, TX 79174.

4 Replies to “Donnie Keith Brown”

  1. I attended Shamrock High School with Donnie. I remember that great smile he always had for the ones he passed in the hallway and in the classrooms. I have enjoyed being Facebook friends with Donnie for several years.
    Rest in peace, my friend.

  2. Donnie – you were a good friend at SHS. I enjoyed our many conversations. Rest in Peace. – Mike Melton

  3. I have so many fond memories with Mr. Brown. He was a good kind man. Brianna, I’m truly sorry for your loss.

  4. Donnie was a beloved classmate with the class of 1966 , Shamrock High. I have known Donnie since our freshman year when he transferred from Lela. The entire Brown family were and are the best and nicest people. Donnie will be missed. Goodbye my friend until we meet again.

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