Donald Brown

Donald "Chief" Eugene Brown, 86, Covington, passed away on January 23, 2017 at St. Elizabeth Hospice. He was born in London, Kentucky. He was raised in Northern Kentucky by his mother and step-father Lucille and Richard Froelicher.
On January 6, 1951 he married Roberta Evone Welch, in Reno, NV. They just celebrated 66 years of marriage. To this union was born Rick Brown, Ron (Susan) Brown, Peggy Norris, Dale (Jenny) Brown and Janet (Dennis) New. They also took a daughter into their hearts and lives, Christine Grimes. Their lives were blessed with grandchildren Susan Brown, Kelli Kuchar, Adam Brown, Andrew Brown, Tiffany Norris, Ashley Norris, Brandy Pearcy, Lauren New and great grandchildren Madison Kuchar, Stella Kuchar, Annie Walls and Emalee Brown. Don is also survived by brothers Robert Brown and Richard Froelicher; sister Patricia Bricking; and many nieces and nephews. Don was preceeded in death by his parents, and sisters Betty McDaniel and Joan Carpenter.
Don retired as the fire chief of the Covington Fire Department after 36 years of service. He served in the United States Navy from 1948-1952- stationed in Moffett Field, CA and flew in the Berlin Airlift (Operation Vittles). He was also stationed in Kodiak, AK. He loved to tell his family he was stationed in Alaska before it was declared a state. Don loved Myrtle Beach, as well as camping, traveling and spending time with his family. He was a Kentucky Colonel, sat on the Kentucky Governors Fire Commission, was a member of the American Legion Post 5 Seward, Alaska, and the EKU Fire Science Advisory Board. He was instrumental in starting the Fire Safety Education in Covington. He was the recipient of the Northern Kentucky Firefighters Achievement Award. Don was loved by many friends and family and will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Firefighter Cancer Support Network or Honor Flight Tristate, 8627 Calumet Way, Cincinnati, OH 45249.
Visitation will be Saturday, January 28, from 10am until time of service at 1 at Floral Hills Funeral Home. Burial will immediately follow in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens. Online condolences can be left at www.floralhillsmemorialgardens.com