Donald Lester Johnson

Don graduated from Aurora, NE High School in 1954 where he was Quarterback of the football team, Captain of the basketball team, Editor of the school paper, and Life Member of Boy Scouts.

He married Barbara Jean McKelvie on June 6, 1955. They have one daughter and two sons. He worked at a local lumber yard and Burlington Railroad as a telegraph operator. In 1960 he was hired by IBM as a Customer Engineer. He worked for IBM for 31 years, advancing to the elite “Top Gun” group and earning multiple awards. He worked six more years for Bell Atlantic.

In retirement, Don helped his son-in-law build a house in the mountains. He and Barbara bought several fifth wheels, and they traveled in the US and Mexico. In later years they had two park models in Mesa, Arizona.

Don was a member of Weston Lodge, Manzanita Chapter #85 Order of the Eastern Star, and the Elks Lodge, all in Littleton.

Don was a brilliant man with a quick wit. He was quiet and seldom spoke of emotions. He was a devoted father, coached his son’s basketball teams and planned regular family camping trips. He was a “do-it-yourselfer” and an avid sportsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, and water skiing.

Don was preceded in death by his parents Lester and Susie Johnson, and sisters Polley Olivera and Lillian Oswald.

Don is survived by his wife of 69 years, Barbara Johnson. 3 children: Judith/Jody Randol, Michael/Karen Johnson, and Terry Johnson/Linda Archer. 5 Grandchildren and 10 Great-grandchildren: Jeff Randol (Hailey, McKenna); Jennifer/Cody Mason (Summer, Taylor); Jessica/Bryan Budd (Braedyn, Brooklyn); Kristin/Brandon Baca (Max, Emmerie); Kaitlin/Chad Bell (Brooks, Maverik). Brother: Jim/Naomi Johnson in Ralston, NE; Sisters Susan/Ron Sipe in San Antonio, TX and Christina Robertshaw in Branson, MO.

Don will be terribly missed by his family. He will be laid to rest at the Lakeside Cemetery in Windsor, Colorado.

A Visitation will be from 4:00-5:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at Allnutt Funeral Service-Hunter Chapel, 2100 N. Lincoln Ave., Loveland, CO. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 19, 2024 at Allnutt Funeral Service-Hunter Chapel. Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery, 32815 CO-257, Windsor, Colorado.

Donations may be made to the American Heart Association.