April 22, 1929 – June 13, 2025
He was born April 22, 1929 in Mount Vernon, NY. Don joined the U.S Air Force in September 1946, served 3 years and was honorably discharged September 1949. He was a proud recipient of a Honor Flight as well as a “Dream Flight”.
In 1967, he started his own company, Don Brann Associates, that he ran for 32 years. In 1999 he made the decision to sell his business to enjoy life with his wife and his passions.
He was an avid RC model Enthusiast and officer at the Etowah RC Flying Club and so respected that the airfield bares his name.
He was an ardent supporter of the Western North Carolina Air Museum jointing in 2009 and holding board positions for many years. At the age of 75, he obtained his private pilot license, proving you’re never too old to learn something new or accomplish your life’s dreams.
He will be remembered for his wit and sense of humor, his ability to pull out a clever response at the drop of a hat, and his love for all things aviation. Don’s talent for designing and building was second to none when anyone consulted him on a project. Thankfully he has passed this talent down to his children and grandchildren to live on. His positive outlook on life and determination to never give up, no matter the challenges life threw his way were an inspiration that is shared in his published memoir: Winging It. Don had a way of impacting all who met him, be it a brief passing moment or a lifetime; his wealth of knowledge and famous phrases such as ‘More Gooder’ will be forever imprinted on the lives of all he touched.