Donald Eugene Johnson

Donald Eugene Johnson was born October 19, 1937, in Modesto, California, to CJ “Jimmy” and Lucile Johnson. He was born into a family of hardworking dairy farmers. During his high school years, he was part of the track, wrestling and gymnastics teams. He was also a member of the FFA. After junior college he spent several years in the U.S. Navy., and while stationed in Norman, Oklahoma, he met Wanda Best. They married and moved to California. Eventually, he went to work for Pacific Bell and started a long career with the phone company, retiring from AT&T. Anyone who knew Don knew that retirement didn’t mean he would sit at home. He spent many hours in his shop woodworking or fixing things and helping others. 

Don left this life on January 15, 2025, at the age of 87 and was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Wanda; his father and mother; brothers, Vernon Johnson and Melvin Johnson; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Grant and Mabel Best; brothers-in-law, Leon Best, Donald Best, Glen Best, and George Shirkey; sisters-in-law, Sharon Johnson, Oleta Shirkey, Vada Boutin, Judy Keenan, Christine Best, and Terri Best; nephews, Rich Fisher, Jaime Cave, Brian Keenan and Michael Best.

Don is survived by his children, Pam and Chris Turbyfill, Jeff and Nancy Johnson, Janet Coleman, Todd and Tracey Johnson, and Rod and Annie Johnson. His grandkids were the light of his life: Kerry (Tia), Mandy (Aaron), Jared (Leigann), Tyler, Craig (Rachel), Justin (Myka), Sarah (Taylor), Tanner (Scarlet), Lindsey, Ben, Nicole, Jae (Heath), and Andrew (Megan); great grandchildren: Lilly, Brennan, Tinsleigh, Reed, Logan, Julian, Boone, Hayes, Patrick, Casen, Parker, Jackson, Madalyn, Chandler, Avery, Rhys and Jett. He is also survived by his sister, Linda Johnson; in-laws, Carl and Barbara Best, Louise Best, Ron Boutin, Jane and Dean Cave, Danny Best, Dorean and Bruce Blackketter, and a host of nieces and nephews. 

The family would like to thank dad’s caretakers in Texas: Ashley, Shina, Segit, Tom and Shawna. They also would like to thank the angels who took care of him and our family for the past six months, Lindsey and Erica. 

In August of 2023, Don’s grandson, Justin Johnson, was diagnosed with leukemia; so in lieu of flowers, the family would love for you to donate to the Leukemia Research Foundation: leukemiarf.org.

Visitation will be Friday, January 24, 2025, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., at Del City Church of Christ, 1901 Vickie Dr., Del City, Oklahoma 73115.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 25, 2025, 2:00 p.m., at Del City Church of Christ.