At the request of the family, this mission posting is for PGR viewing only.The family of Donovan B. Brown, 88, has requested the Patriot Guard Riders to accompany him to his final resting place. It will be our honor to do.
Donovan served in the U. S. Army from June 1953 to June 1957. He was honorably discharged at the rank of E-6, Staff Sergeant. Donovan earned the Expert Markmanship M1 Medal.
Donovan was an entertainer and singer. He sang with a lot of well-known celebrities. He recorded music as well. In fact, his daughter, Vicki, said he sang Elvis better than Elvis himself. Donovan enjoyed camping, boating, water-skiing, and riding his motorcycle. He said he felt truly free when he was water-skiing or on his bike, and rode with his daughters on many occasions.
Donovan was married to the love of his life, June, for 65 years and they were inseparable. June passed away in January of this year.
Donovan is survived by his daughters Vicki Brown and Cathy Ybarra who are both Harley Owners Group members. Donovan has no siblings or grandchildren. Per Vicki, he did have his grand-doggie, Inky-Dinky.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this military veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the mortuary to the cemetery, right across the street. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
TIMETABLE FOR THURSDAY, 01 JUN 20231000 - Stage at Forrest Lawn Mortuary, 69855 E. Ramon Rd, Cathedral City, CA. Please arrive quietly as service will be ongoing.
https://goo.gl/maps/koo4Wyqe3rNDJw3W91015 - Mission briefing.
1045 - Flag Line for dignified transfer to coach. PGR will be pallbearers
1050 - KSU for departure to Desert Memorial Park across the street from the mortuary for graveside flag line, military honors, and burial.
CRAIG LANE, JIP-C, USMC
SOCAL PGR RIDE CAPTAIN
bigredroadglide@yahoo.com760-900-0388
You do not have to be a veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the Ride Captain (RC). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
