Donald Paul Brown

Donald Paul Brown, 64, of Welsh died peacefully Aug. 10, 2015 in his hometown of Welsh after a brief illness. Donald was born Sept. 29, 1950 and is preceded in death by his parents, Glyn and Wilma (Rousseau) Brown of Welsh and friend and co-worker called "the other brother", Johnny Gillett of Welsh. He is survived by his "ugly twin" brother, Darwin Brown (fiancee' DeeDee Patterson) and sisters Glynetta Phenice of Lake Charles and Tina LeBas (Robert) of Estill Springs, TN. He is also survived by nephew Glyn Phenice (Laura) and children Noah and Emily of Lake Charles, niece Paula Bruchhaus (Karl) and children Christian and Bailey of Lake Charles, niece Sharon Ardoin (Percy ll) and children Haden and Haley Cooley of Lacassine, Melissa LeBas Wheeler of Murfreesboro, TN and Wendy LeBas and son Logan Pratt of Estill Springs, TN. He is also survived by God-child Joel Brown of Lumberton, TX and others. Donald was "adopted" by his cousin Chuck Brown and his family, Lilly, Dillard and Pauline, Walter and Jessica and Ollie and their children who loved him dearly and were present with him at the end. He was a life-long resident of Welsh who worked for and then owned the family business, Brown Appliance, from 1970 to 2015. He trained many young men and made life-long friends. He was a kind hearted soul who loved serving his church and community. He served as Mayor of Welsh from 1974-1983 and was the youngest mayor in the state of LA at that time. He served in the past as an Officer in Knights of Columbus and President of the church council and RCIA leader, Past-Secretary of Woodmen of the World Camp 176, former volunteer firefighter and EMT for the town of Welsh, member and Past-President of Welsh Rod and Gun Club. He was a member of Jeff Davis Municipal Assoc. and was presently serving as a Jeff Davis Parish Election Supervisor. Donald traveled to Rome, Italy with Rev. Msgr. James Gaddy for Rev. Whitney Miller's ordination and was blessed to stand near his Patron Saint, Pope John Paul. Donald was a great friend who loved humor and practical jokes - even if it meant unknowingly driving around town with underwear flapping over his license plate! He had many friends, too many to mention here, but a special thanks to friend Bill Hudson who introduced him to the canine world and Alvin and Margaret Benoit who were his forever great friends. Visitation begins at 10am and the Memorial Mass will begin at 11am on Sat. Aug. 22, 2015 in Our Lady of Seven Dolors in Welsh with Rev. Msgr. James Gaddy, Rev. Whitney Miller and Rev. Alan Trouille officiating. Following Mass, friends may gather at the Welsh Community Center, 101 Palmer St., which has been generously offered by the Town of Welsh. Donald's ashes, along with the ashes of his beloved "Billy B. Express", his National Champion Labrador Retriever, will be placed with family in the Lacassine Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Heart Assoc., American Cancer Society or Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Welsh in his name.