Donald Lee Brown

Donald Lee Brown passed away September 24, 2023 at one of his favorite places, Indian Lake, at the age of 63. A true Daytonian, Don was born, raised and lived his entire life in the Miami Valley, always proud to share his love of his hometown.

Growing up in Riverside with his parents Jack and Beverly and his sister Vickie, Don was always active, playing sports and making music. He began his musical career with his now-famous accordion and later played the drums. A1978 graduate of Stebbins High School, he never missed the opportunity to cheer on his “Mighty Stebbins Indians.” Don was a recipient of the school’s Outstanding Alumnus Award in 1999, an honor bestowed on Stebbins’ graduates, recognizing “their expertise and good work.” Throughout his life he enjoyed giving back to the Mad River School District, working with students as a substitute teacher and coach. Don led a talented boys’ bowling team to the state title in 2008.


Just as he loved his “Mighty Stebbins Indians,” Don loved the Wright State Raiders. A1983 WSU graduate, Don played baseball for the Raiders for one season before finding joy behind the microphone calling the games. Throughout college, Don enjoyed working as a pin setter at Pla-Mor lanes.

His professional broadcast career began while he was still in college. He worked part-time at WHIO Radio, first running the board and eventually working as the color analyst for the WHIO Radio High School Game of the Week.

In 1985, Don started at WKEF-TV, first as a weekend weather anchor and then moving to the sports department. He was named the station’s Sports Director in 1986. Don’s love of sports was evident in his coverage of local, state and national contests. He enjoyed traveling to Florida to cover the Reds in Spring Training, making his Reds Reports come to life with entertaining interviews and his great knowledge of the game. When football season came, he poured his heart and soul into making each high school team feel important on Friday night. And when talking about the NFL, there was no doubt what team was his favorite. He loved the Bengals during good seasons and bad, never giving up on the boys in the stripes.

While he covered sports for 20 years, it was his time working with the Muscular Dystrophy Association that had the biggest impact on Don and the community. He took over hosting duties of the local segments of the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon from Johnny Walker in 1987. He hosted and produced the show for 17 years, earning two regional Emmys for his work (and creating some very elaborate openings throughout the years.) While he was proud of the awards, he was most proud of the millions of dollars raised in the Miami Valley to help so many families and fund critical research.

Don ended his broadcast career where it started, at WHIO. He worked as a part-time sports reporter/anchor at WHIO-TV from 2005 – 2014.

After officially putting down the mic, Don continued to support local schools and sports teams through his work with Tuffy Brooks Sporting Goods.

Don is survived by his daughters Haley and Kinsey, his sister Vickie, his aunt and uncle Linda and Duke Homan, and numerous cousins and friends.

A Celebration of Life for Don Brown will be held at the Kettering American Legion Post 598 Saturday, Sept. 30 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Muscular Dystrophy Association in Don's honor.