Donald Lee Johnson
November 20, 1940 ~ June 3, 2018
Donald Lee Johnson, 77, of Avinger Texas, passed away after a sudden illness on Sunday June 3, 2018 at Good Shephard Hospital in Longview, Texas.
Donald was born November 21, 1940 in Princeton, Illinois to Orval and Fern (Williamson) Johnson. He graduated from LaMollie High School in 1958 and traveled to Chicago to start a career with Chicago Transit Authority where he retired in 1996. During his career at CTA Don worked in multiple facets including as an EL engineer, sheet metal worker, heating and air conditioning and finally as a project foreman in the South Shops. He enjoyed the opportunity to retire early and experience many other adventures while living in Texas. After retiring with his wife Mary Sue, he moved to East Texas to enjoy life on the lakeside, complete with building a home on the lake. He was able to enjoy his craft of woodworking, furniture building and cabinet making that he loved to share with family and friends. Don and family were able to enjoy many great camping adventures around the country as well as plenty of visits to their favorite vacation spot, Disney World. Great memories were made with his daughters, his granddaughter, and family from Florida at the “Greatest Place on Earth.” Later in his retirement, Don was able to return to his farming roots by working on the old homestead in LaMollie every fall completing the harvest at the Gross Farm.
On March 11th, 1961 Donald married his sweetheart Mary Sue (Stokely) Johnson who survives him. Donald is also survived by two daughters, Kristi (Johnson) and her husband, Tony Williams of Chester, Illinois, and Karri Johnson and her life partner, Jim Hillock of Orland, Park Illinois and their furry babies; granddaughter, Peyton Williams; one brother, James R. Johnson and wife, Shirley of Mendota, IL; as well as his treasured niece, Katherine and her life partner, Jim Gross of LaMollie, IL and her four sons, James, Justin, Jake and Jordan; Don has one remaining aunt, Zelma (Williamson) Simpson; cousins, Judy and Del Gehrke; sister-in-law, Myrna Stokely and niece, Sara Stokely and nephew, Steven Stokely; cousin, Keith, Doug, and Brian Pariseau; and close family friends, H.G. and Pat Ayers, Ken and Gail Brown, and so many others.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Orval and Fern Johnson; aunts, Maxine & Doris (Williamson) Yost; as well as cousin, Peggy (Yost) Pariseau.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Simminos Cont. Fund c/o Sandy Hubert 637 West Kitchen Port Neches, TX 77651 or Liberty Church 445 CR 1648 Jefferson, TX 75657.
Memorial Celebration will be held in Mendota at a later date.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
You will b missed very much. So many years of wonderful memories. You are at peace now. Harold & Pat
So sorry for your lost. Prayers for family and loved ones. God’s blessings.
Don was a wonderful man who will always hold a special place in our hearts.
We are so sad to hear this news… you are all in our thoughts and prayers!! ??
Don was a wonderful neighbor and friend. He and Ken enjoyed helping each other with various projects through the years. Don had such a quiet demeanor and was always courteous, kind and helpful. He was our "go to man" for the answer to any question that we might have. We will miss him so much.
I am remembering all the good times spent together. He will be missed.Thoughts and prayers to all the family.
I always enjoyed our march and April visits each year. Hearing all the things you both had done the past year. I will miss that. If there is anything I can help you with, please contact me.