Don Johnson

(From Thornhill-Dillon Funeral Home)

Donald D. Johnson (Don) of Carl Junction, Missouri, formerly of Webb City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Tuesday June 30, 2015, at Freeman Hospital after an illness, with his family at his side.

Don was born March 31, 1943, in Joplin, Missouri, to Elmer A. and Jeanetta (Van Winkle) Johnson.

He had been a member of the First Baptist Church of Webb City for over 60 years.

Don is survived by his wife of over 52 years, Cecilia Ann (Hunter) Johnson whom he married on February 23, 1963. He is also survived by his children; Derek D. Johnson and wife Kathryn, of rural Oronogo, Missouri, his daughter, Gretchen A. Johnson (formerly) Long, of Baltimore, Maryland; his beloved granddaughter, Danielle Faith Long, of Carl Junction, Missouri; his sister, Karen Hutching, of Cole Camp, Missouri; three nephews, Bill Hare, of Oronogo, Missouri; J.D. Hare, of Cole Camp, Missouri, and Mitch Hutching, of Amarillo, Texas, and many friends and co-workers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters; Elmajean Johnson and Sharon Johnson; by a daughter, Gretta Kay Johnson who passed away in 1968, and by his precious Chihuahua, Raindrop, who passed away in March of this year, and who is waiting at the “Rainbow Bridge” to cross over with him.
Don grew up working for his father at Johnson Paint and Farm Supply in Webb City, Missouri, where he learned his tremendous work ethic. He worked for Cardinal Scale Manufacturing Company of Webb City, Missouri for 54 years and was still working from home for Cardinal Scale the day before he passed. He started in the shop, worked in the engineering department for many years; became a National Sales Manager, and then became the Advertising Director and Print Shop Manager. After his retirement in 2009, he continued to work for the advertising department. He was a long-time member of the National Scalemen’s Association.

His hobbies were restoring cars and watching NASCAR races, watching cooking shows on t.v. ( even though he never cooked) and surfing the internet. He could fix just about anything and liked tinkering with computers and electronics.
Although he will be missed terribly by his family and friends, and especially his wife, we all know he is in a good place and is with his loved ones who have passed before. As many have said: “He was a good man and a great dad.”

Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 3, 2015 at Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary Chapel in Joplin, Missouri. Visitation will immediately follow the service.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.