Douglas Rex Brown
Douglas Rex Brown, 84, of Vermontville, Michigan, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family on September 10, 2025.
Doug was born on February 24, 1941, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing to Franklin and Opal (Thurlby) Brown. He attended Lansing schools and graduated from J.W. Sexton High School in 1959. Shortly after, he began a long and dedicated career at Oldsmobile/General Motors, where he worked for 42 years until his retirement in 2006. During his career he was a skilled tradesman in experimental assembly and also served as a UAW committeeman.
Doug’s life was filled with passions that reflected his love of family, friends, church, and cars. His enthusiasm for automobiles was more than a hobby; it was a legacy he passed down to his children and grandchildren. Together they shared countless memories at car shows, especially when everyone brought their own hot rod. A true auto enthusiast, he found joy in building, drag racing, and photographing cars, always eager to share his knowledge and appreciation for the craft.
His love of golf began at the age of 13, when he pedaled an ice cream cart through his neighborhood to save enough money for his very first set of clubs. That early eagerness grew into a lifelong passion. He played in countless golf leagues, most often alongside his best friend, Dean Steward, and delighted in teaching the game to his grandchildren.
Another of Doug’s great joys was photography. He captured life’s most meaningful moments through his lens, from weddings and senior portraits, to highlighting his grandchildren in sports. His photographs became treasured keepsakes, reflecting his eye for beauty and his love of preserving memories.
Doug is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Nancy Brown; four children: Eric (Kandy) Brown, Heather (Lou) Moon, Matt (Greer) Brown, and Derek (Julie) Brown; nine grandchildren: Jordan (Nick) Schooley, Nick (Rebekah) Moon, Jacob Brown, Zack Moon, Isabella Brown, Jada Brown (Colin), Simone Brown, Evan Brown, and Chloe Brown; and six great-grandchildren: Scarlett, Clancy, and Cashel Schooley; and Carson, Bailey, and Avery Moon. He is also survived by his loyal German Shepherd, Summer, and his many nieces and nephews. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Franklin and Opal Brown, and his siblings, Patricia (George) Schraft, Mary (Kent) Miller, Donald (Barb) Brown, Doyle (Grace) Brown, and Yvonne (Jerry) Simpson.
Friends and family gathered for visitation on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, from 5–7 p.m. at Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, MI. A mass service was held Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Cyril Catholic Church in Nashville, with a luncheon to follow.
Flowers can be sent to Daniels Funeral Home.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home- Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 E M79 Hwy, Nashville, MI. For more information, please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.