Donald R Johnson Obituary (2024)

Donald Ray Johnson, age 76, went home into the loving arms of Jesus, on Sunday, February 18, 2024, in Yakima, Washington, after battling pulmonary fibrosis. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family. Affectionately known as Don, he is the son of the late Leonard Wood Johnson and Irene (Dozier) Johnson, and was born on February 5, 1948, in Yakima, Washington. Don graduated from Naches High School, attended Yakima Community College, and Northwest Bible College, and went to barber school in Yakima. Don met the love of his life, Beulah Barton, and married her on August 22, 1969. From that day forward it was always Don and Beulah! Three weeks after the wedding, Don left for the Vietnam War and proudly served his country as an army helicopter mechanic. Upon his return, Don cut hair at a barber shop and later worked at Longview Fiber for 44 years. Over the years of their marriage, Don and Beulah attended the Gleed Valley Church, Stone Church, and Christian Life Center. Don was always ready to serve the needs of the church. He drove for the childrens bus ministry, volunteered in childrens ministry at Stone Church on Wednesday nights, participated on the mens ministry team, served as a board member at Stone Church, and enjoyed being a church greeter. Don actively served the needs of his friends and family, helping with many projects. He was always ready to lend a hand. Don had a humble heart and was highly respected and loved by many. Dons greatest priorities in life were God, Beulah, and his family. He delighted in being grandpa to his five grandchildren, who were the joy of his life. This was abundantly clear up to his last days on this earth. Don was eager to talk about the Word of God. He enjoyed reading his Bible faithfully, and talked with everyone about the power of Gods grace. Those who visited Don heard him ask, "Are you a believer? Do you know Jesus?" Don spent his last days showing family and friends the most important thing in life, surrendering to Jesus. Don will be greatly missed by his family and friends, but his legacy of faith lives on through them. He is preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Irene Johnson, and many other dearly loved family members. Don is survived by his loving wife, Beulah Johnson, and two children, Chad (Darla) Johnson, and Christy (Russ) Tuttle, as well as five grandchildren, Keren Tuttle, Maren Johnson, Colin Johnson, Jadeyn Tuttle, and Luke Johnson, brothers, Jerry Johnson (Heidi) (the late Sharon), Jim Johnson (Treasa), Stan Johnson, sister, Carol Hawes (Ben), Becky Johnson, many other brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff of MultiCare Memorial and Cottage of the Meadow for their care of our beloved father. The service of memory will be held in June 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Dons memory to The Stop Trafficking Project online via thestoptraffickingproject.com or check to PO BOX 3462, Shawnee, KS 66203-9998. Shaw & Sons Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.shawandsons.com.