Donald Earl Johnson, a loving husband of 69 years, father of four sons, six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter, passed away in his sleep to join Jesus on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Sylvan Shores Health and Wellness Center in La Porte. Don was 96 years old.

Don was born on January 11, 1929, in Greencastle, Indiana, the only child of Earl and Geneva Johnson. He grew up in nearby Brazil, Indiana, attended Indiana State College, and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1948. He served six years in the Army, primarily as a clerk in personnel and logistics roles. Don's service included an overseas posting with the U.S. Eighth Army in Japan during the Korean War. During his military service, he rose to the rank of Sergeant First Class. After an honorable discharge, he served a U.S. Army Reserve role as a Master Sergeant with the 402d Strategic Intelligence Detachment in Washington DC. Don received a Good Conduct Medal and the Army Occupation Medal (Japan) for his service.

In August 1955, Don hired on with his life-long employer: Western Electric (eventually reorganized into AT&T Technologies) in Chicago. Over the course of his career, he dealt with various contractors in quality assurance roles related to electronic components, plastics, and timber products for AT&T. The job required relocation first to Alabama and then to Texas.

In December 1955, Don married the love of his life, Leona Blessinger. The couple raised four sons (Greg, Jeff, Don III, and John). During this time, Don became active in the St. Mary's Catholic Church in La Porte. He was a member of the Good Shepherd Council, taught Sunday Bible class and sponsored The Boys Harbor, managed annual church festivals, and joined the Knights of Columbus. Don was an officer in the Optimist Club in Pasadena responsible for youth baseball fields. He was also the institutional representative for Boy Scout Troop 930. Don was baptized in April 1973.

Don's hobbies included playing bridge and reading novels set in the old west. He also enjoyed fishing off Sylvan Beach pier and bowling with his sons. Later in life, he enjoyed assembling picture puzzles and coloring books.

Don's gentle demeanor, nurtured by his attendance at the Tuesday Bible luncheons sponsored by First Baptist Church of Pasadena, will be missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, May 12, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Pasadena, 7500 Fairmont Pkwy., Pasadena, Texas 77505. Friends and family are invited to gather in remembrance of a beautiful life, sharing stories and memories at 9:00am. The service will begin at 10:00am. Interment will follow at Houston National Cemetery.