The very interesting life of Don Browning began in Cleveland, OH on May 5, 1934. The proud parents were James Clapperton Browning and Marguerite Trumphour Browning, known to all as Pappa and Granny. Don was an only child for 7 yrs and then along came his darling little sister, Judy. Don always excelled in school and graduated from Euclid High School at age 17. He attended Miami of Ohio in Oxford and graduated in 1955 with a BS degree in Marketing. He continued to maintain contact with his Thi Delta Theta brothers, always in competition for “the last one standing” award.
Don’s long career in Aviation began in 1957 when he earned his wings in the USAF. His service career ended in Vietnam with “one more take off than landings”. After his near fatal accident in 1966 he spent 3 months recuperating from his multiple injuries before joining Pan American Airways in Miami. We all said that career was “better than working for a living”! He traveled extensively through Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia and was still with the company when it ceased operation in 1991. That did not stop his need to fly and travel as he continued with his Captain’s status with Air Canada and Southern Air as well as Life Guard flying out of Ft Lauderdale. He finally hung up his wings in 2001 when he achieved his real estate sales license. Don was a self-made man. He is survived by his 5 biological children and 2 stepsons, 9 grandchildren, his sister and his wife of 40 years, Judy Hoffs Bailey Browning.
Don went home to be with Our Lord, 12/31/21. The Memorial will be held at Elwood Park Baptist Church, 3516 45th St E, Bradenton, FL 34208 at noon on 01/17/2022. Lunch will be served afterwards. In lieu of flowers the family would like you to donate to your favorite charity, the Red River Valley Fighters Pilots Association or Team Freedom, fighting human trafficking.