Donald Eugene Brookshire

Donald Eugene Brookshire, 78, of Newberry, IN passed from this earth on August 20, 2025, at Greene County General Hospital in Linton. Don or Donnie, as he was known to his friends, was the eldest of three children born to William and Majorie (Malone) Brookshire. He went to school in Newberry, where in the second grade he met the love of his life, Dianna Wesner. After finishing elementary school in Newberry, he attended Switz City and graduated from Central High School in 1965. In his younger years, Donnie loved working on cars and could often be found at a drag race or behind the wheel himself. He took great pride in his appearance, always carrying a comb in his pocket for those quick “touch-ups.” He also had a sharp wit and never missed the chance to tell a joke or get a laugh. After high school, Donnie worked for a short time as a laborer before being drafted into the United States Army as the Vietnam War intensified. From 1966–1968, he served two years, most of it in battle, including the infamous Battle of Baul Bang. At just 21 years old, he returned home an honorably discharged Purple Heart recipient, ready to start his life again. Donnie went on to work bridge construction before beginning his long career as an electrical engineer at NWSC Crane, where he worked on missile guiding systems. Alongside his career, he remained rooted in his farming heritage—raising beef cattle and crops, including soybeans and corn. Of all his accomplishments, he was most proud of his family. On August 4, 1976, he married his lifelong love, Dianna (Wesner) Martindale. Together they raised two children, Julie (Martindale) Baker and Dustin Brookshire. His joy multiplied with the arrival of his five granddaughters—Casey Baker, Olivia Brookshire, Jenna Brookshire, Skylar Brookshire, and Charley Brookshire—who were truly the lights of his life. Whether he was out on the farm or in the house with his family, nothing made him happier than time spent with them. He held memberships in the Lyons American Legion, Newberry Masonic Lodge, Newberry Order of the Eastern Star, Elks, Scottish Rite and Zorah Shrine. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Robert “Bob” Brookshire, and his beloved wife Dianna, whom he greatly missed and is now reunited with. Surviving relatives include his daughter Julie Baker, son Dustin (Talia) Brookshire, granddaughters Casey, Olivia, Jenna, Skylar, and Charley, and his sister Debra Fish. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 27 at Newberry Cornerstone Church in Newberry, IN, with Robert Bruner officiating. Interment will follow at Prairie Chapel Cemetery. Friends and family may call from 4–8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 26 and one hour prior to services on Wednesday at the church. Masonic rites will be conducted at 7pm on Tuesday and the American Legion will perform military graveside services. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Newberry Cornerstone Church or Lyons American Legion Auxiliary.

Donald Eugene Brookshire

July 27, 1947 - August 20, 2025