Donald Johnson

Don Johnson, 71, of Columbia City, Passed away Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at 2:35 a.m., at his home. He was born June 23, 1945 in Wolf Lake to Robert and Hazel (Green) Johnson and spent most of his life in the Churubusco area. Don graduated from Churubusco High School in 1963, International Business College in 1965, and later received a Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in Education from Saint Francis College. He the pursued a 30 year career in the field of Education. He was a business teacher/ICE vocational coordinator and Guidance Counselor with Smith Green Community Schools. He later retired from Columbia City High School as a Guidance Counselor. After high school, Don was employed by International Harvester Company where he met the love of his life Terry Bollenbacher. They were married in Decatur on August 26, 1967. Living a Christ centered life was Don's number one priority. He had a gift of encouraging anyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He loved to be with people especially his children, grandchildren, and loved family vacations. He also loved being outdoors, loved the beach, and loved watching the Pittsburg Pirates baseball team while spending time in Bradenton, Florida. He was a lifetime Sunday School Teacher and served as an Elder at Sugar Grove Church of God, where he was a member. In his early years, Don served in the 122nd Indiana National Guard in Fort Wayne. During his retirement years, he owned his own landscaping business, delivered motor homes for Don Ray Drive-A-Way in Decatur and later drove as a chauffeur for the Zimmer Orthopedic Company in Warsaw until June 2014. Don is survived by his wife of 49 years, Terry of Columbia City; his two daughters, Ann (Eric) Johnson of Cincinnati and Amy (Brock) Skinner of Churubusco; his twin brother, Ron (Sherry) Johnson and his brother David (Jann) Johnson both of Churubusco; his sister, Janne Buesching of Fort Wayne; four grandchildren, Nathan Johnson, Sarah Johnson, Jalynn Skinner, and Brant Skinner. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Hazel Johnson. Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 28, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Sugar Grove Church of God, 5019 East 500 South - 57 Churubusco, Indiana 46723. The family will receive friends at the Church on Sunday, November 27, 2016 from 2 to 7 p.m., calling also an hour prior to the service on Monday. In lieu of flowers please direct memorials to Sugar Grove Church of God or Parkview Home Health and Hospice, of Whitley County.