Donald
Alonzo
Brownson
May 14, 1936 - January 2, 2020
Born in Coulee Dam, Washington
Donald Brownson age 83, son of the late Alonzo and Hazel Brownson, passed away Thursday, January 2, 2020 of coronary failure.
Donald was born in Coulee Dam, Washington and his love of cars encouraged him to attend Oregon State University where he earned a bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Upon graduation, he met the love of his life Glenda Hill and they spent 61 years alongside one another. He received an academic scholarship to attend Yale University where he earned a Master of Science in Engineering and eventually settled with Glenda in Michigan. He held various engineering positions, and earned an MBA while working at General Motors and Detroit Diesel over his 40 year career before retiring in 1999. Between the years 1959-1963 he spent most of his spare time racing his Lotus at Waterford raceway in Michigan.
During his tenure in Montana, he was an active member of the National Guard. He enjoyed the outdoors including fishing, on the west coast and great lakes. In addition, he was an avid snow and water skier. He enjoyed most of his vacation time with his family in northern Michigan and traveling to the western part of the United States.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Glenda. Loving father of Barbara Brownson (John Blankenship) and Sharon Martin (Bradley). Dear grandfather of Scott Blankenship, Nicole Blankenship, Timothy Martin, and Aaron Martin. Brother of Barry Brownson (Diana) and the late Jon “Jack” Brownson.
Family will receive friends Sunday, January 12, 2020 from 1-7pm at A.J. Desmond & Sons (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel), 32515 Woodward Ave. (btwn 13-14 Mile), (248) 549-0500.
Funeral Service Monday, January 13, 2020, 11am at the funeral home.
Memorial tributes to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312.
Donald was born in Coulee Dam, Washington and his love of cars encouraged him to attend Oregon State University where he earned a bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Upon graduation, he met the love of his life Glenda Hill and they spent 61 years alongside one another. He received an academic scholarship to attend Yale University where he earned a Master of Science in Engineering and eventually settled with Glenda in Michigan. He held various engineering positions, and earned an MBA while working at General Motors and Detroit Diesel over his 40 year career before retiring in 1999. Between the years 1959-1963 he spent most of his spare time racing his Lotus at Waterford raceway in Michigan.
During his tenure in Montana, he was an active member of the National Guard. He enjoyed the outdoors including fishing, on the west coast and great lakes. In addition, he was an avid snow and water skier. He enjoyed most of his vacation time with his family in northern Michigan and traveling to the western part of the United States.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Glenda. Loving father of Barbara Brownson (John Blankenship) and Sharon Martin (Bradley). Dear grandfather of Scott Blankenship, Nicole Blankenship, Timothy Martin, and Aaron Martin. Brother of Barry Brownson (Diana) and the late Jon “Jack” Brownson.
Family will receive friends Sunday, January 12, 2020 from 1-7pm at A.J. Desmond & Sons (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel), 32515 Woodward Ave. (btwn 13-14 Mile), (248) 549-0500.
Funeral Service Monday, January 13, 2020, 11am at the funeral home.
Memorial tributes to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312.
Visitation
A.J. Desmond & Sons (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel)
32515 Woodward Ave (btwn 13-14 Mile)
Royal Oak, MI US 48073
Royal Oak, MI US 48073
Service
A.J. Desmond & Sons (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel)
32515 Woodward Ave (btwn 13-14 Mile)
Royal Oak, MI US 48073
Royal Oak, MI US 48073
American Diabetes Association
P.O. Box 11454
Alexandria, VA US 22312
Alexandria, VA US 22312
