Henry, IL – Donald Robert Brown, 85, of Henry, IL passed away Friday October 8, 2021, at his home with his wife, Vickie, and stepdaughter, Tammy by his side.

Don was born November 30, 1935, in Macomb, IL, the son of Harold and Helen (Hollenback) Brown.

He had a lifelong love of horses, having been a blacksmith since his early teens, then owning, training, driving in fair races and amateur races. His stable at the Marshall-Putnam fairgrounds was his second home until his retirement. He was a long-time blacksmith at Buffalo and Batavia Downs.

He had a small stable only racing a few horses at a time from 1991-2014. He had 1044 starts, 138 wins,133 seconds,129 thirds and his horses had earnings of $631,566.

He also enjoyed fishing, riding his bike, going to yard sales, playing euchre, and being a jokester.

Don will be sadly missed by his wife, Vickie, his children, Christy Sabatino of Oakfield, NY, Robbie (Fran) Brown of Hightstown, NJ, Felicia Brown of Batavia, NY, Amanda (Geoff) Brown-Wormley, Of Batavia, stepchildren, Tammy Maubach, of Henry and Scott (Christy) Cornman, MT. Dora, FL.

Also included are eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, seven step grandchildren, and one step great-grandchild, and special nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Don was preceded in death by his sister, Rosie, special uncles Lester and Earl Hollenback, and Don’s companion, Jack.

Visitation will be Friday October 22, 2021, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am with memorial services to follow at 11:00 at Calvert & Johnson Memorial Home, Henry. Pastor Michael Hoffman will officiate. Memorials may be directed to the family or to the Marshall-Putnam Fair Association.