Donald Dean “D.D.” Brown, 94, of North Platte, Nebraska, passed away peacefully at Linden Court on December 1, 2025. Donald was born on April 11, 1931, at home north of Bartley, Nebraska, to Lawrence and Gertrude (Clouse) Brown. He graduated from Bartley High School in 1950.
On October 4, 1951, Don married the love of his life, Neoma Max. Shortly after their marriage, he was drafted into the U.S. Marines Corps, and stationed in Barstow, California. In February 1954, Don was honorably discharged, and the couple moved back to Nebraska, where Don farmed in Cambridge.
In 1960, Don moved his family to North Platte, where he worked as a rancher for Hadleys and State Line Ranch. In July 1968, Don was hired on the Union Pacific Railroad in Bailey Yards. He worked himself up to conductor, running trains between North Platte to Cheyenne, and retired in August of 1998.
Don and Neoma raised a large garden and took pride in sharing their vegetables at the farmer's market twice a week, along with canning a great deal for their own use. When things slowed down, in the fall and winter months, Don enjoyed taking a stroll through his fields, always accompanied by his faithful kittens following close behind.
Don also found great joy in training his horses, Eagle and Lucky, teaching them an assortment of tricks.
Don is survived by his children, Terry (Kathy) Brown, Linda Brown, and Kent (Robin) Brown; his grandchildren, Angila Brown-Haro, Jesse (Annie) Brown, Katie (Eric) Lebsock, Molly (Keaton) Kristick, Michelle (Gary) Lopez, Michael (Nicole) Kissinger, Callie (Shane) Barnes, Chelsie (Noah) Sorensen, and Charmel (Daniel) Clough; 28 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great grandchildren.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Neoma; son, Larry; brothers, Francis (Jeannie) and Kenneth; great-granddaughters, Erica Lamphear and Emilia Clough; his in-laws, Carl and Lola (Bridgford) Max; brother-in-law, Lloyd “Bud” (Ilah) Max; and sister-in-law, Darlene (Glenn) Brooks.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, December 8, 2025 at Odean Colonial Chapel, with Pastor Michael Evans officiating. Visitation will be held the same day, with family receiving friends from noon until 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Don requested memorials be made to Emilia’s Wings, to advocate for the families suffering infant loss, or to the family for designation.
Odean Colonial Chapel is entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.