Don P. Brown

Don Peden Brown of Chagrin Falls, OH died on October 2, 2023, after enjoying a family wedding weekend in Wilmington, North Carolina. Don was a lifelong Clevelander, Civic Leader, Husband, Father, Brother and more.

Don was born on November 9, 1936, in Cleveland, Ohio, to George M. and Ruth L. Brown who both predeceased him. Don graduated from Shaker Heights High School in 1954 where he held numerous leadership positions in various student organizations, played football and baseball, and won the state wrestling championship his senior year. Don attended Denison University where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity serving as chapter president his senior year. He also played football and baseball for the Big Red. After graduation, Don married Nancy Lewis and enrolled in law school at Western Reserve University where he obtained his L.L.B. in 1961.

During law school, Don coached football at Western Reserve University. He eventually started officiating, following in his father’s footsteps, and passionately officiated local high school and Division III college football for over 50 years. After retiring, Don remained a proud member of the Cleveland and Ohio Football Officials Associations. Don also founded a youth girls' softball league in Orange School District – one of the first of its kind.

Don practiced law for over 60 years. He served on the councils of both Warrensville Heights and Orange Village, and several homeowner’s associations. He was involved in numerous civic and social organizations including the Cleveland Athletic Club, where he served as Secretary for many years, the Court of Nisi Prius, and many others. Late in life, Don focused some of his passion on supporting the Chagrin Documentary Film Festival.

Don’s wife, Nancy Langmead (Walther) Brown predeceased him in 2017. He is survived by his two brothers George M., Jr. of Medina and Richard H. (Barbara) of Chagrin Falls; his children Polly Lu (Duncan Linn) of Industry, PA, and Don P., Jr. (Karen) of Louisville, CO; his two step-daughters, Dayl & Denise Walther both of Vermont; 10 grandchildren: Andrew Moog of Covington, KY, Kirby Moog of Cleveland Heights, Charles Moog of Dotsero, CO, Christopher Walther of South Russell, Don P III (Sarah) of Westerville, OH, Kathryn Engelmann (Ace) of Lafayette, CO, Davis and Austin Bodette of Vermont, Sarah & Caroline Sodaro of Vermont; and 2 great grandchildren, Otto Patrick Brown of Westerville, OH and Grace Bodette of Vermont. His stepson David Walther predeceased him.

Don lived life to the fullest, always kept his sense of wonder for the world, and generously volunteered his time to anyone who needed help. He was a fixture in the Chagrin Falls community for the past 25 years. The family appreciates the outpouring of support we have received from the community.

The family suggests that those interested in donating in Don’s memory should consider the Chagrin Documentary Film Festival or the Emily Waters Foundation.

Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on November 11, 2023, at the Chagrin Valley Country Club. There will be a reception following the services at the same location. Details can be found at www.stroudlawrence.com.

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