Don Johnson

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Donald “Don” Johnson, age 93, passed away Sunday, September 8, 2024 after an illness. Don was born July 21, 1931 in Joplin, MO. to Porter and Pauline (Alexander) Johnson.

Following school, Don served in the Army and was stationed in Germany. After his service in the Army, he went into the automotive industry. He began his career at R & S Chevrolet and retired from Roper Pontiac as Service Manager with over 50 years in the industry.

Don attended Stapleton Church of Christ and served as Deacon. He coached his son’s baseball teams from 1961 to 1971. Don was very active in his community serving on the Duenweg School Board and Duenweg Mayor and 37 years on the Duenweg City Council. He was a member of Jasper County Republicans. In 1957, Don joined the Duenweg Volunteer Fire Department and was Fire Chief from 1958 to 1998 serving 40 years. Don then was on the Duenweg Fire District Board for 20 years from 1999 to 2019. His hobbies included watching Nascar Races and Cardinals Baseball.

Don married Barbara Burkhart in 1950 and she preceded him in death in 1987. Together they had three sons, Don Johnson and wife Lawana of Cleora, OK., Keith Johnson and wife Rene of Duenweg, MO. and Greg Johnson and wife Kim of Joplin, MO. After Barbara’s passing, he married Mary Jane Moore in 1988 and she preceded him in death in June 2015. Mary Jane had four children, Laura and husband Jeff Kesler of Duenweg, MO., Marci and husband Kent Reeves of Collinsville, IL., Marc Moore and wife Dawn of Sparta, IL., and Patrick Moore and wife Brodi of Standish, MI. He is also survived by twenty grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by parents, Porter and Pauline Johnson, and sisters, Ruby Long, Mary Lou Gouge, Sue Edge Taylor and Nancy Hirshey.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday at the Mason-Woodard Chapel. Visitation will be 6-7:00 p.m., Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Burkhart Cemetery, Racine, MO.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.