Duane “Denny” Dennis Brown, 75, of DeGraff, passed away at 10:15 p.m. on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at Dayton VA Hospice in Dayton, Ohio. He was born on April 7, 1947, in Sidney, Ohio, a son of the late Duane Delbert and Lola Mae (Ammon) Brown.
On January 13, 1995, Denny married Madeline Joyce (Allen) Brown in Bellefontaine, Ohio and she survives, along with three children, David (Pam) Allen, Sue (Rick) Hubble, and Tara (Steve) Linet; seven grandchildren, James (Brandi) Allen, Colton (Laraleigh) Allen, Casey Allen, Rayce Brown, Ashley Hubble, Shana Degnan, and Hailee (Connor) Darst; and several great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Denny was preceded in death by a grandson, Wesley Allen, and a sister Cindy Sue Redinbo Brown.
A U.S. Navy Vietnam veteran, it was his passion to honor all branches of service and that devotion led to his involvement in countless endeavors to ensure that no comrade was left behind.
The list would be endless if we accounted for everything Denny donated time or money to.
For those who truly knew Denny Brown, you knew what he stood for and knew he bled red, white, and blue.
He loved God, his family, and his country. If it had anything to do with Veterans, he was involved. Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day is where he shined. He placed countless flags on the graves of our fallen comrades. He arranged the ceremonies and the speakers for the Memorial Day services at the DeGraff and Quincy cemeteries every year. He marched in countless parades carrying the American flag proudly.
He spearheaded the development and implementation of the veteran memorials at the DeGraff and Quincy cemeteries. He participated in many Veteran’s Day assemblies at Riverside Local school in which he tried to always instill pride, honor and respect for the American flag and all service members past and present.
Denny coached fast pitch girl softball with his daughter Tara for many years. He was active in the Greater Sidney Area Emmaus. He and his family offered free Thanksgiving meals at the legion every year and helped at the turkey raffles at the legion and God only knows how much chicken and fish that man fried!
He loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing and his dogs. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion, the VFW, and the NRA. He took great pride in so many things and when Denny believed in something he did not back down. He believed in staying local for goods and services. He was always willing to pay more, often when he shouldn’t, to keep his money in his community.
Denny was a self-employed painter for most of his adult life. If it weren’t your house or business, he painted then you knew of someone who used Denny Brown Painting.
Denny touched so many people over his life that there is no way we could remember everything. If you have a memory of a time Denny touched your life, please share with his family.
A visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 11, at the American Legion Post 652, 221 W. Miami Street in DeGraff, where a memorial service will begin at 11 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Legion Post 652, PO Box 122, DeGraff, Ohio 43318.
Daring & Sanford Funeral Home, DeGraff, is honored to serve the Brown family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com.