In loving memory of

Donald Johnson

Don passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on December 5, 2017. Don was born in Chicago, Illinois on August 22, 1932, the son of W. Donald Johnson Sr. and Georgianna Johnson who had come to Phoenix, AZ when he was 12 years old. Don graduated from Phoenix Union High School in 1949, went on to study business at ASU during which time he married his high school sweetheart Loretta Bigbie in 1953, graduating from ASU in 1954. He served his country in the Army from 1955-1957 during the Korean Conflict. Don is survived by his wife of 64 years, Loretta; his daughter Cynthia Smith (David); his son Brian Johnson (Lydia); nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He dedicated his life to service with the YMCA where he started in 1965 with his two sons in the Y-Indian Guides Father-Son program. He later became a champion volunteer for the organization serving as a Strong Kids Campaign fund raiser. He retired from National Cash Register after 35 years and during his retirement he loved to go fishing, enjoyed golfing, reading books and sharing time with his family. Born in Chicago he supported his Bears and Cubs throughout his life and was very joyous when the Cubs won the World Series in 2016. He was also a faithful supporter of his Alumni...Go Sun Devils! Memorial service for Don will take place at 10:30 AM Friday, December 15, 2017 at Faith Bible Church, 17230 N. 59th Avenue, Glendale, AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association at http://www.heart.org. Visit https://hansenmortuary.wpengine.com for condolences.

Tributes

John Fields wrote on Dec 16, 2017:

"Don; I appreciate the friendship we have had for many years. You will truly be missed by "Marianne and Myself". Love John & Marianne"

Mark & Michelle Peterson wrote on Dec 15, 2017:

"We are so sad to loose such a good friend as Don. He and Bobbie are such good people and the best one could hope for in as next door neighbors. Michelle?s parents also became good friends with Don and Bobbie and made a point to pay a visit when they were in town for Christmas. The neighborhood won?t be the same without Don. We will miss seeing him at our cul-de-sac get togethers and other neighborhood events."

James E. Whitaker wrote on Dec 14, 2017:

"Loretta, Don was my best friend at NCR for all those many years. We always said that our blood was Number 7 Tan (the color of the registers). He was a most professional salesman and an all-around good man. I will always remember him fondly. I am so sorry that a previous commitment will prevent my coming to his Memorial Service. Jim Whitaker"