Donald "Doc" Brattain Endowment

Donald B. "Doc" Brattain

Year Founded
2009

Purpose of Fund
The primary purpose of the Fund shall be to provide financial support to First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, Greencastle, Indiana.  If at any time, the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, Greencastle Indiana should cease operations, use of said endowment proceeds shall be recommended first by immediate family members of the Founders and then by members of the First Christian Church, Greencastle, Indiana to a Putnam County charity or church.  If at any time the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, Greencastle, Indiana should be divided by congregational vote, or a portion of the congregation secede, said endowment proceeds shall be retained by that portion of the congregation continuing to worship in the First Christian Church at 110 South Indiana Street, Greencastle, Indiana.

History of Fund
Donald Brouse Brattain was born on the family farm in Union County, Indiana on December 2, 1921.  He was the youngest of 4 sons born to a Quaker Farm Family.  He graduated from College Corner High school in 1939 and proceeded to study one year at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.  Upon deciding to enter Veterinary Medicine, he transferred to Michigan State University in Lansing, Michigan.  While there, he joined the Sigma Chi fraternity and was a true Michigan State University alum and Sigma Chi supporter thereafter. 

After World War II was declared, Don joined the Army.  This enabled him to complete his education on the GI bill.  Don graduated in 1944 as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and spent time at various Army bases.  He was discharged in 1947 having attained the rank of captain.  He then returned to Indiana and began practicing veterinary medicine in the town of New Market in Montgomery County.  Shortly thereafter, he relocated his practice to Greencastle where he settled and remained.  His practice focused on both large and small animals covering all of Putnam and surrounding counties. 

Don semi-retired in 1992 and devoted time to the Putnam County Humane Society in its first year.  He maintained his practice by working 3 days a week at Groomingdales on South Street in Greencastle up until 2009, using his “free” time to become very involved with numerous civic and community organizations, including: Greencastle Kiwanis Club, Putnam County Museum, Civil War Round Table and the Sons of the American Revolution.  He served as president of Putnam County Comprehensive Services, Putnam County Cemetery Board & Forest Hill Cemetery Board and the Putnam County Board of Health.  Don was a trustee of First Christian Church in Greencastle and maintained membership at the Friends Church in College Corner.  He was also a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge and Scottish Rite Shrine and was named the Greencastle Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 2006.

Don lived a full and rewarding life, never setting aside his Quaker upbringing.  He raised seven children, being the father of only two.  He was very honest and always true to himself, touching many lives through his veterinary practice of 60+ years.  He left a legacy of patience and hard work for his family and all of those who knew him.