Douglas E. Brown

NORTON---Douglas E. Brown, 87, passed away Saturday, May 17, 2014.


He was born on August 14, 1926 in Akron to Archie and Mildred Brown. Dad spent his youth on Swan Island, Michigan where he enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping with his brothers. He was a proud Veteran who served in the Navy and the 11th Airborne Division during WWII. Dad was proud of his brothers sacrifice for their country. His brother Richard was killed in action on Iwo Jima in March of 1945 and David was killed in action on Okinawa in April 1945.


After the war, dad met the love of his life Jane Hupp and together they raised four daughters. Dad loved his little girls. He was an entrepreneur who owned the Whitelaw, Oxford and Colonial Restaurants in Downtown Akron.


Preceded in death by his parents, brothers Bob, David and Richard; and sisters Betty and Katherine; He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Jane; brother Don (Carol); daughters Jill (Pat) Bussey, Karen (Ed) Crabtree, Jeannie Merold and Debbie (Frank) Buzaki; grandsons Eric, Douglas and Mike Crabtree, Steve Merold and Franklin Buzaki; granddaughters Stephanie and Mariah Merold; great-grandchildren Landon Crabtree, and Reagan and Jacinda Buzaki.


Per his wishes cremation will take place with a private family burial at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in his name to the Paralyzed Veterans of America, 7 Millbrook Rd., Wilton, NH, 03086.